Police report 20 collision in 4.5 hours

Six people received non-life-threatening injuries Monday morning in six of 20 motor-vehicle collisions on Greater Sudbury roads, said Greater Sudbury Police Service.

The remaining 14 collisions were either dealt with by officers dispatched to the scene or through the collision reporting centre, said Sgt. Valerie Tiplady. There were 20 collisions before 10:30 a.m.

“We are continually asking motorists to slow down, to allow extra time and increase the distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them,” Tiplady said. “We ask motorists to drive according to road and weather conditions.”

While Greater Sudbury Police Service is advising motorists to heed the weather warnings, they are also asking pedestrians to practise safety this winter.

Peak hours for pedestrian collisions were between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily, largely coinciding with peaks in traffic volume, said Greater Sudbury Police Service, citing a 2012 pedestrian death review from the Office of the Chief Coroner. Between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2010, there were 95 pedestrian deaths in Ontario.

The report states it was dark or twilight for 57 per cent of the time in fatal pedestrian collisions. January was the peak month for pedestrian collisions leading to fatalities.

The Ontario Provincial Police is also advising motorists to use extra caution as current weather conditions have resulted in slippery and icy roads.

The icy road conditions extend across the region, and are extreme in some areas, said the OPP.

The OPP has launched Ontario 511 for commuters and travellers seeking information to plan their route. By calling 511, callers can receive information on winter road conditions and closures and construction.

@ArronPickard