160 COLLISIONS IN 24 HOURS

(LONDON, ON) -Members of the West Region Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were kept very busy over the past 24 hours responding to over 160 collisions as the first winter storm of the 2013-2014 season arrived.

All 400 series highways in West Region were shut down intermittently for periods of time during the storm. The closures were caused by drivers which officers on the road say were oblivious to the winter conditions.

This morning on the 401, west of London several vehicles ended up in a chain reaction collision. Officers stood in awe watching other drivers who failed to slow down and ended up in trouble as well. “We can’t control the weather, nor can we blame it! The only thing we can control our driving habits and people need to slow down.” – Traffic and Marine A/Inspector S. Johnson.

Police are urging motorists to put on “snow tires” and get their vehicles ready for the winter ahead. Vehicles need to be mechanically sound with new wiper blades and plenty of fluid in the reservoir. Officers will be looking for motorists who fail to clear their windshield and windows of snow or ice. OPP are also urging motorists to make sure they are dressed appropriately for winter driving and that their vehicle is equipped with a winter driving safety kit.

“Winter driving isn’t rocket science. In fact, it’s quite simple. “When you see snow…go slow!” – OPP Sergeant D. Rektor. Through enforcement and education the OPP will continue to deliver the message of slowing down during adverse weather conditions. Be part of the solution, not the problem.

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