(PEMBROKE, ON) - Members of the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to 32 motor vehicle collisions during a one-week period from February 26 to March 4, 2023. Several collisions occurred during the forecasted adverse weather conditions. No serious injuries were reported as a result of the numerous collisions. Motorists are reminded to remove any accumulated snow on their vehicle prior to starting out and to adjust their driving behaviours when winter driving conditions arise. Last year in 2022, UOV OPP officers responded to 727 motor vehicle collisions, up from 568 collisions in 2021.
Drivers are reminded of the Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) located at the UOV Detachment (Pembroke Site) at 77 International Drive in the City of Pembroke. Motorists involved in a property damage collision are now able to report their collision at the CRC within 48 hours of the occurrence. The CRC is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday each week.
The Highway Traffic Act requires that all collisions where people are injured or property damage is valued at more than $2,000.00 to vehicles or property, or damage to any highway property to be reported to police forthwith. Reporting to the CRC will meet this requirement.
Property damage crashes consume a large amount of police resources and time as well as put all involved occupants at risk of being involved in a secondary collision and greater risk of injury. The UOV OPP will continue to offer the same excellent service in responding to collisions that require an officer to attend however, many collisions on our highways and roadways are minor in nature and drivers are able to clear their vehicles quickly and safely off the highway without police assistance. An officer who attends a collision may direct those involved persons to attend the CRC if all the criteria are met.
STAY ALERT. SLOW DOWN. STAY IN CONTROL.