OPP takes hard line on poor driving habits

The Ontario Provincial Police is taking a hard line with drivers who, through poor driving behaviour, are causing a steady rash of collisions, some of which are jeopardizing the safety of OPP officers and other emergency personnel responding to collision scenes.

Three OPP cruisers across Ontario have been struck by passing motorists since Monday. One OPP officer was taken to hospital after his cruiser was struck from behind while stopped behind a transport truck.

This past weekend, eight OPP cruisers were struck by passing motorists and two police officers received minor injuries.

"I want to make it very clear: Severe weather and poor driving conditions are not the main cause in the overwhelming number of collisions we've seen these past several weeks,” said OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis. “It is the way people are driving in these conditions that jeopardizes the safety of the motoring public and our officers. This irresponsible driving behaviour must stop."

The OPP has been inundated with calls for service during the numerous storms that have hit the province so far this winter. The OPP has responded to thousands of calls for service due to irresponsible driving in winter weather conditions, but according to Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair, Provincial Commander of TSOS, this is unacceptable.

"There is no question that our harsh winter weather has made for some very treacherous driving conditions lately, but as is the case every winter, it is the drivers who do not adjust their driving to the weather and driving conditions that are usually the ones involved in the collisions," said Blair.

"Most of the crashes being investigated by our officers involve drivers who either lost control because they did not slow down when they needed to or who ignored our warnings to avoid non-essential travel when the weather was particularly severe."

The OPP urges motorists to be prepared and pay careful attention during the winter months. Watch for emergency responders, slow down and move over if it is safe to do so in accordance with the law.