OPP lay 19 charges for driving on storm-closed sections of Hwy. 17

An Ontario Provincial Police vehicle is shown driving down a snow covered highway in this undated image. (File photo/Ontario Provincial Police/Facebook)

Ontario Provincial Police charged 19 drivers with driving on closed sections of Highway 17 between Blind River and Thessalon during Monday’s severe winter storm.

The charges were laid within a span of only one hour and 45 minutes as the storm swept through northern Ontario, forcing multiple road closures in the area – including Sault Ste. Marie.

Enforcement details

“Between approximately 12:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., the East Algoma Detachment of the OPP charged seven drivers, including two operating commercial motor vehicles,” police said in a news Tuesday.

“In addition, the Sault Ste. Marie OPP’s traffic incident management enforcement team patrolled Highway 17 in the Mississauga First Nation and Iron Bridge areas and laid 12 charges, including three against CMV operators.”

Safety concerns

OPP said highways are closed during severe winter storms to protect drivers from dangerous conditions, such as reduced visibility, slippery surfaces, drifting snow and the increased risk of collisions.

“Driving on a closed highway not only puts motorists at risk but also endangers first responders working to maintain road safety,” police said.

Closures also allow snowplows and maintenance crews time to clear highways safely.

Motorists are encouraged to check 511on.ca or call 511 for up-to-date road conditions and closures before travelling.