(LONDON, ON) -Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have responded to 4 separate collisions this week that have claimed the lives of 5 citizens. The collisions occurred on Monday in Middlesex County, South Bruce County yesterday, Elgin County last night and this morning in Lambton County.
Two of the deceased persons were involved in collision with farm vehicles. The OPP are warning all area motorists to be alert for farm vehicles when traveling on rural roads during the harvest season. Farm vehicles are large which makes it very difficult for operators to see other vehicles coming up from behind or those attempting to pass them.
Whenever approaching a farm vehicle from the rear, assume the driver does not see you. Slow down, wait until the road in front is clear of any other vehicles and you have ample room to pass. When you pass, do so slowly and make sure the operator of the farm equipment sees you.
Do not underestimate the size of farm vehicles. They are long and wide and motorists must pass them cautiously.
Operators of farm equipment have to obey all the rules of the road as well and share the road with other motorists.
“Driver error continues to be the common denominator in every collision we investigate. With the onset of wintery weather, motorists need to adjust their driving habits immediately in order to prevent any further injuries or deaths on our highways!†– OPP Traffic Staff Sgt. Shawn Johnson.
Road safety is a shared responsibility.
