14 MINOR SNOW COLLISIONS YESTERDAY, TODAY PREVENTABLE, WARN POLICE

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

MUSKOKA — We’ve seen the end of tailing winds for a few days.

Thank goodness.

Drivers and police agree.

The OPP responded to multiple motor vehicle collisions over the course of yesterday across south Muskoka and police are encouraging drivers to slow down and use caution.

As another winter weather event began on January 20 2025, officers responded to more than a dozen motor vehicle collisions.

By 11:30 a.m. today, January 21, police had attended 14 collisions.

Fortunately, they say, none resulted in injuries.

However most were preventable, they say.

Drifts off Georgian Bay have caused tons of snow to fall on southern Muskoka in December and January, which that many drivers aren’t prepared or equipped to handle, warn the OPP.

As well, they encourage drivers to adhere to the following safety tips during these more severe winter events to make driving safer for everyone.

Such as:

  • Only venture out if absolutely necessary,
  • Clear your vehicle entirely of snow, that includes your roof and all windows,
  • Give yourself extra time to complete your trip,
  • Allow other vehicles to have extra space on the road,
  • Turn on your vehicles entire lighting system so that other drivers can see you,
  • Top up your windshield washer fluid,
  • Slow down and
  • Do not drive if you have drugs or alcohol in your system.

Passing snow plows illegal

Help snow plow drivers who have been helping you on the road by not taking chances and passing them. Let them do their work, say police. Photo MuskokaTODAY.com

Also, they remind drivers to be careful around snow plows.

Muskoka roads have seen their share of snow so far this winter season and the plow operators have been out doing a great job.

How many times have you witnessed an impatient driver pass a snow plow and nearly cause a collision, they ask?

In September 2023 Ontario passed a law making it illegal to pass a working snow plow. The law was changed to reduce unsafe passing manoeuvres and collisions.

What’s the law?

Drivers can’t pass snow plows working in echelon formation on multi-lane roads or highways with a speed limit of 80 km/h or more.

And they can only pass if the lane is completely clear of any part of the plow, including its blade.

What are the consequences?

  • Drivers who pass a working snow plow illegally could face a fine ranging from $150 to $1,000
  • Other charges could include stunt driving, careless driving, and dangerous driving
  • A driver’s licence could be suspended and their vehicle could be impounded
  • Winter driving requires drivers to adapt to conditions.
  • Planning ahead can make a big difference:
  • Prepare your vehicle
  • Use winter tires
  • Dress appropriately for the weather
  • Check the weather forecast or calling 511 for current road reports
  • Clear snow from your vehicle and if it gets too difficult to drive, find a safe place to pull over and wait until conditions improve
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