Busy morning for police as motorists struggle with morning snow

Thunder Bay Police Service media release

Police officers and tow truck drivers were kept very busy this morning immediately following our first snowfall of any significance.
From 4:15 pm yesterday afternoon until 6:37 am this morning there were no collisions called into Thunder Bay Police.

Then, the snow started and from 6:37 am until 10:00 am there were 39 collisions called in. One collision had some minor injuries.
In the 3 ½ hours that the snow was falling, we averaged a collision every 5 ½ minutes.

The first snow of the season is really all about the laws of physics that apply to objects in motion.

To avoid a collision, a driver must be able to stop when necessary. Being able to stop is dependent upon the four small patches of rubber at the bottom of the tire gripping the pavement below and dragging that vehicle to a stop.

The greater the speed and the lower the co-efficient of friction (slipperiness) , the further the distance to the stop it will be.

Maximum stopping ability comes from proper winter tires with adequate tread and of course, slowing down and driving to road conditions.