BELLEVILLE – Rarely does Ontario Provincial Police commissioner Chris Lewis make a plea for drivers to slow down on winter roads, but he did so Thursday.
The OPP regularly sends out news releases asking drivers to reduce their speed, but it’s rare for the commissioner to attach his name.
Thursday’s release came after a multi-vehicle pileup involving cars and tractor-trailers caused Highway 401 to close near Napanee Wednesday.
All the OPP can do is warn drivers of treacherous roads, so it’s up to drivers to decide whether driving is worth the gamble, OPP Sergeant Dave Woodford said:
Motorists should be especially cautious when sharing the road with tractor-trailers, he said. The public likes to blame truck drivers for highway accidents, when the real problem is motorists cutting trucks off while changing lanes, Woodford added:
With Super Bowl Sunday just around the corner, Woodford advised motorists to also expect OPP RIDE checks this weekend.
Related:
Trucking industry reacts to television-watching trucker
Eastbound 401 reopens after morning pileup
Winter weather puts snow removal over budget
Live updates: Snowstorm causes havoc for Belleville and area
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