(CITY OF KAWARTHA LAKES, ON.) – Between 5:00 p.m. on November 18th and 10:00a.m. on November 19th the City of Kawartha Lakes detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to more than 100 calls for service, with over 50 of those calls related to motor vehicle collisions.
The majority of the collisions occurred during the first winter storm to hit the area and involved vehicles sliding into the ditches due to poor visibility and icy road conditions. These factors led to the closure of Highway 35 at Thunderbridge Road and the closure of Kawartha Lakes Road 36, near the Central East Corrections Centre. Both Roads have been re-opened.
Detachment commander, Acting Inspector David Bowles noted that there were no significant injuries reported in the collisions and stated “the officers were driving in white out conditions to get to the vehicles that had gone into the ditches to ensure the safety of as many motorists as possibleâ€Â. He further indicated that this should be a reminder to all motorists to be prepared for winter driving conditions.
Motorists are encouraged to monitor local weather conditions and follow the advice of the Police and Environment Canada. With weather such as this, motorists should expect the unexpected and be prepared if they do venture out.