Motor-vehicle collisions in Oxford up substantially this winter

Jackknifed tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles in ditches have been a common scene this winter, but one member of the Oxford OPP is sharing her expertise to keep drivers safe. Photo courtesy of Oxford OPP

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

This winter has been the most volatile and dangerous for Oxford County and Wilmot Township motorists, leading to a record number of collisions. But, according to one member of the Oxford Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment, it doesn’t need to be that way.

Const. Randi Crawford said the OPP doesn’t have rankings of causes for winter collisions, but the top few are very obvious: driving too fast for the conditions and following too closely.

“It happens all the time and with any type of vehicle, be it a commercial motor vehicle, a small car, an SUV or a pick-up truck. All types of vehicles seem to be driving too fast for the conditions,” Crawford said.

When it comes to being too close to the vehicle in front, Crawford said tractor-trailers aren’t always at fault.

“When one jackknifes, people may jump to the conclusion that the truck was going too fast for the road conditions, which could have been a contributing factor. But people sometimes cut them off and those trucks take time to slow down, and if they have to slam on their brakes in this weather, they are going to jackknife.”   

Crawford added driving distracted and in a hurry can also cause collisions in winter weather.

“If the world were an ideal place, we could all drive properly and not have to be defensive, but when you are driving in unpredictable weather, you have to prepare yourself to deal with unpredictable behaviours by other drivers.”

Crawford said there has been about a 40 per-cent increase in collisions this winter compared to the last two.

Motor vehicle collisions in Oxford County

Dates # of collisions

Nov. 1, 2023, to Jan. 27, 2024 475

Nov. 1, 2024, to Jan. 27, 2025 465

Nov. 1, 2025, to Jan. 27, 2026 616

“Those are a lot of collisions we have to deal with. It takes a lot of our frontline officers’ time to respond to so many of them,” she added.

Crawford said winter driving courses offered by some drivers-education companies are a great option for unsure or inexperienced drivers, as well as tractor-trailer drivers.

“Maybe some companies can reflect and ask if we have given our drivers winter driver training or even if they have any experience driving a big truck in the snow. The time and the cost it takes to get a tractor-trailer out of the ditch is high, and often main highways need to be shut down for hours as a result.

“If you are someone who doesn’t feel confident driving in snow, that’s something to look into. People also need to do that self-reflection. Do you feel prepared to drive in this weather today? Do I need to? Sometimes we convince ourselves we really need to get to whatever it is, but when you really assess it, do you really need to do it that day?”

She added having a safety bag with a flashlight, blanket and snacks is also a good idea, along with a full tank of gas.

“Or, if you have an electric vehicle like I do, make sure you have it charged before you head out. If you’re out there and you don’t feel comfortable or safe, turn around and think about cancelling where you’re going. Is it worth it? You could hurt yourself or someone else.”

Crawford explained winter tires are an important part of being safe on the roads in inclement winter weather but admitted the cost can be a barrier for some people. She added having winter tires doesn’t mean people can drive like it’s a bare road.

“Just because you have them doesn’t mean they’re magic tires. It doesn’t mean you can go faster than everyone else on the road.”

One situation seen on urban streets and rural roads during this winter’s heavy snow is vehicles driving with immense amounts of snow on them, many times obscuring a driver’s view. Crawford said a little effort goes a long way.

“Wipe off the hood, the back and the top of your vehicle. You might be able to see out your windshield momentarily, but when that snow starts shifting, it’s going to slide down in front of you or fly off on the vehicle behind you. It’s part of being a responsible driver and making sure your vehicle is safe.”

Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle with a dangerous accumulation of snow or ice that could pose a hazard to other road users. Upon conviction, fines range from $50 to $500 for private vehicles and from $100 to $1,000 for commercial vehicles.

Crawford said some people may not be able to reach the top of their vehicle to clear snow off, but using a leaf blower is one way to get around the situation. It’s also important people know to refrain from using their four-way flashing lights while driving in challenging weather conditions.

“I can appreciate people wanting to let others know they are driving slower than the expected speed, but when you have your four-ways on, it interferes with your brakes illuminating properly to let people behind you know you’re slowing down or stopping.”

She added it’s also a good idea to have your entire headlight system on during inclement weather.

One trend on social media in recent years has been people looking for driving advice. It is common to see posts in this area asking how the drive on 59 is from Tavistock to Woodstock or the conditions of Highway 7/8 from New Hamburg to Kitchener. Crawford said a far better idea is to go to www.511on.ca for updated driving conditions.

“It is a great resource, and when I had to drive to London the other day, I also checked Google Maps and Waze. They are often updating their road situations and will let you know where there is a slowdown or collision.”

She added drivers have different opinions on road conditions and when it’s safe to venture out on the roads.

“You might be more comfortable driving in bad weather and I might be petrified but I head out because someone said it was fine. By the time people read a comment, the conditions could have changed.”

Crawford said it all comes down to self-awareness.

“How do I feel today? Can I get out there and make that drive? Do I really need to go to where I am supposed to be? If not, treat yourself to a pyjama day and a hot chocolate. Talk to your employer to see if you can work from home or even adjust your hours.”