(SEVERN TWP, ON) – On Tuesday, March 25, 2014, in the late afternoon the Orillia Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were kept busy trying to deal with the aftermath of driving, road and weather related issues which caused several collisions on Highway 11 North in the Township of Severn.
In order to address all the collisions Hwy 11 northbound lanes were closed between Agnew Road to Coopers Falls Road for a number of hours.
At approximately, 3:35 p.m. a tractor trailer driven by a 60 year old male from Field, Ontario was northbound on Hwy 11 near Cooper’s Falls Road. He struck a ‘crash truck’ which was in the driving lane where road repair work was being conducted. Norman LANGEVIN was charged with Careless Driving under the Highway Traffic Act.
While an Orillia Detachment police officer was investigating this incident, as he was sitting in his cruiser on the shoulder of Highway 11, his vehicle was sideswiped by a tractor trailer passing the collision scene. This vehicle did not stop and continued northbound on Hwy 11. Police located the vehicle further north on Hwy 11.
Ambulance arrived on scene and the officer was transported to Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. He was treated and released.
Jason PETCH, 42 years, of Huntsville was charged with Careless Driving under the Highway Traffic Act.
There were also multiple collisions which occurred near the Bond Rd exit on Hwy 11 northbound. One collision involved six vehicles including a tractor trailer. This blocked the two northbound lanes. Shortly after this collision another vehicle was northbound approaching this scene and stopped but another vehicle collided into this vehicle.
A third collision occurred in this area as well and that involved three vehicles.
Again police would like to remind motorists that driving conditions can change quickly and driving habits must change with them. Slower speeds and leaving more room between vehicles can increase reactionary time and allow motorists the opportunity to brake and manoeuvre their vehicle to a safe position.