(OPP photo)
It was a hectic weekend across southern and eastern Ontario with the blast of snow and freezing rain and police in the Ottawa Valley were busy on area roads.
The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to six collisions between March 28 and 30.
“Renfrew County, like many others, was hit with snow and freezing rain over the weekend, resulting in poor visibility and hazardous driving conditions,” reads an OPP press release. “None of the six collisions in the Renfrew area resulted in serious injuries.”
Police say that although spring has arrived, driving conditions can still be unpredictable, with icy roads, rain, and reduced visibility posing significant challenges.
OPP remind motorists to:
- SLOW DOWN: Adjust your speed and behavior to the road conditions. Be patient and keep a safe distance behind working plows and other maintenance vehicles (e.g. trucks spreading salt or spraying anti-icing liquid).
- Increase following distance: Allow extra distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you to account for longer stopping distance on icy roads.
- Avoid sudden maneuvers.
- Always plan ahead: Monitor the weather conditions before heading out. ‘Know Before You Go’. Use resources like 511 Ontario for up-to-date road conditions and closures.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” reads the release.
(Sherry Haaima)