NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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WASAGA BEACH, SPRINGWATER AND CLEARVIEW — Members of the Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have responded to multiple motor vehicle collisions in the last 24 hours. Most of these collisions can be attributed to weather-related road conditions. In one collision this morning, a snow plow was involved.
The OPP would like to remind drivers to stay back from working snow plows, trucks spreading sand/salt or anti-icing liquid with flashing blue lights. These vehicles travel slower than regular traffic and will be active on the roadways before, during and after a snowfall or storm.
Even in the absence of snow, fluctuations in temperature can cause dangerous ice to form on roadways. The OPP are asking drivers to be patient, as it takes time to clear the roads after a snowfall. Never pass a working snow plow, it is very dangerous for you and the plow operator. Trying to pass between or around a snow plow could result in a severe or even fatal collision.
Drivers play an important role in keeping winter roads and highways safe. The winter months are a particularly important time to stay focused on the road and on other vehicles, and eliminate all distractions. A leading cause of collisions that occur during the winter months is poor driving, not poor driving conditions. Slow down, stay alert and stay in control - these simple steps will go a long way in reducing the number of winter weather-related collisions on our roads.
Plan ahead, before you hit the road, check weather and travel conditions and don't take chances if the weather is bad. Download the free Ontario 511 mobile App that provides real-time highway conditions and traffic information. Give yourself more time to get to your destination if the weather is calling for a significant amount of snowfall.
The OPP and the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) are working together and doing their part to keep Ontario roads safe this winter. We are counting on drivers to do the same.
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