(WEST PARRY SOUND, ON) – On January 12, 2016 at 10:20 p.m., a member of the West Parry Sound Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was called to a motor vehicle collision on Highway 400 in McDougall Township. A snow plow travelling northbound on Highway 400 was being passed by a tractor trailer also travelling northbound. The tractor trailer attempted to pass on the right hand side and clipped the wing of the snow plow sending the snow plow into the ditch.
As a result of the investigation, Karl ROM, 56 years of age from Bruce Mines was charged and issued a Provincial Offences Notice for Change lanes not in safety contrary to the Highway Traffic Act.
Passing a Snow Plow is Dangerous
To do their job properly, snow plows must travel slower than regular traffic. Visibility and lines of sight are reduced around snow plows due to blowing snow, and passing can be dangerous. Please be patient and remain a safe distance back from them! The ridge of snow thrown off the plow can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. The road surface behind a plow is always better than in front of it.
When encountering a plow coming from the opposite direction, move as far away from the centreline of the pavement as you safely can. Using caution and exercising some patience will make the trip safer for everyone on the road.
Road Safety is everyone’s responsibility–it starts with you so please do your part.
If you are travelling, check the Ministry of Transportation website www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/conditionsp or call 511 for road conditions prior to heading out. Please do not call 9-1-1 or the OPP for road reports.