(MUNICIPALITY OF PERTH SOUTH, ON) On Thursday February 03, 2011 at approximately 5:30 p.m. a collision occurred on Perth Road 130 just north of St.Marys.
A large snow plough travelling south bound, was ploughing the shoulders when it struck a pile of lose snow causing snow to blow in the air, resulting in a temporary “white-outâ€. The two vehicles which had been following the plough at a safe speed and safe distance slowed down as a due to the restricted visibility. However a third vehicle came upon the two other vehicles at a greater speed and did not slow down in time to avoid a collision. The second vehicle was subsequently struck from behind and the impact caused it to turn sideways into the oncoming traffic lane. Fortunately there were no vehicles travelling in that lane at the time of the collision.
As a result of this investigation the driver of the third vehicle, a 19 year old female from St.Marys, has been charged with “careless drivingâ€.
The Perth County OPP wants to remind motorists to keep a safe distance from road maintenance equipment when you see blue flashing lights. Snow ploughs and salt/sand trucks must travel slower than regular traffic. Sight lines and visibility near a working snowplough are significantly reduced by blowing snow.