The Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to 17 motor vehicle collisions between March 29 and March 31. Most of these accidents occurred during adverse weather conditions, which were forecasted in advance. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported from the collisions.
The UOV OPP is reminding drivers about the Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) located at their Pembroke site. Motorists involved in property damage collisions can now report the incident directly at the CRC, located at 77 International Drive in Pembroke. This new option helps save police resources and time, and it can prevent additional risks to people involved in minor accidents.
Property damage crashes can take up a significant amount of police resources and time, and they also increase the risk of secondary accidents, which can result in more injuries. While officers will continue to respond to accidents that require their presence, many minor collisions on highways and roadways do not need direct police involvement. In cases where vehicles can be safely cleared off the road, drivers are encouraged to use the CRC if all conditions are met.
Additionally, the UOV OPP urges motorists to remove any accumulated snow from their vehicles before starting their journey and to adjust their driving habits to account for winter weather conditions.
Stay safe on the roads by following these safety reminders and driving carefully, especially when weather conditions are less than ideal.
(Written by: Emma Butler)