Accidents up, OPP says

The Ontario Provincial Police say motor vehicle collisions are up from last year, indicating weather could likely be a factor.

Further information is included in the following news release issued this afternoon by the OPP North Bay detachment:


(North Bay, On)
By this time last year, the North Bay OPP cluster (which includes North Bay, Mattawa and Powassan detachments) investigated 75 motor vehicle collisions for the month of December (December 1st to 21st, 2003). Twenty-six were personal injury collisions with 38 people injured.

To date (December 1st to 21st, 2004), the cluster has investigated 98 motor vehicle collisions; and of that, 19 were personal injury collisions with 26 people injured. There were no fatalities. Three drivers have been charged with impaired driving in the 98 collisions.

Is weather a factor?

Recently, the area has experienced extreme weather conditions which play havoc on our area roads and highways.

Safety and avoiding a tragedy, especially before Christmas, is an essential message for motorists.

It is important to point out that in most of the 98 collisions, so far this December, speed has been a factor.

Although the posted speed limit may be 50, 80 or 100 Km Per Hour, drivers should be traveling in accordance to the road and weather conditions.

Motorists may have to drive lower than the posted advisory because the highway or road could be snow packed, icy, or slushy.

The weather can change abruptly from clear to blizzard conditions.

If you are travelling and you need to find out road conditions, please do not call the police; please call the winter road condition line from the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO). The local number for North Bay and Sudbury is 1-800-461-9523 or on the web at: www.mto.gov.on.ca.

Your loved ones want you home for Christmas, please watch your speed!