Winter weather brings spike of collisions, northern Ont. police say

The Cochrane detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police have responded to several collisions involving commercial motor vehicles in recent days.

Winter driving conditions have arrived and so have collisions on highways, Ontario Provincial Police said Wednesday.

Cochrane OPP have responded to several incidents in recent days, police said, including one on Nov. 7 around 10:30 a.m.

“James Bay OPP responded to a tractor-trailer in the ditch and blocking the eastbound lane on Highway 11, east of Smooth Rock Falls,” police said in a news release.

The 30-year-old driver from Hamilton was charged with careless driving.”

CMV driver unable to stop

Then on Nov. 8 at 5 a.m., while a vehicle was being removed from the ditch on Highway 11 east of Smooth Rock Falls, “a commercial motor vehicle approached the scene and was unable to stop, colliding with a tow truck and then contacting an OPP cruiser,” police said.

“Emergency lights were fully activated at the time. All vehicles sustained minor damage. The 24-year-old driver from St. Andrews, Man., was charged with careless driving.”

A few hours later at 8:50 a.m., another commercial motor vehicle was involved in a collision.

In this case, it was a rollover on Highway 11 west of Highway 655. The vehicle was removed and the 28-year-old driver from Winnipeg was charged with careless driving.

“As winter conditions set in, motorists are reminded that slippery roads and reduced visibility require extra caution,” police said.

“Drivers should slow down, allow for increased stopping distances and ensure their vehicles are properly equipped for winter, including the use of winter tires. Clearing all snow and ice from your vehicle, avoiding sudden braking, and planning extra time for travel are essential steps to prevent collisions.”

Check on road conditions before you drive at Ontario 511.