Drivers don’t seem to be getting the message that winter has finally arrived.
According to statistics released Monday by Thunder Bay Police, collisions in the city are up significantly through the first five weeks of 2013, when compared to the same period a year ago.
Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter said a rough count shows about 120 more collisions, which he blamed on a number of factors.
“I think it’s probably because of the cold-weather snap we’ve had, in combination with a couple of good snowfalls,” Porter said. “And people are just getting into those collisions.”
Complacency has also played a role, he said.
“People are just forgetting that we’re Canadians and we have to drive like Canadians. You’ve got to slow down. You’ve got to drive to the winter conditions. That means you have to give yourself a little bit more time to get to your destination.
“You have to leave a little bit more following distance than you’d normally have to. It’s all about slowing down and keeping your vehicle under control.”
The number of collisions has started to overwhelm the self-reporting collision centre located within the police services Balmoral Street headquarters.
But, said Porter, failing to report an accident is illegal under the law, if the combined damage is above $1,000 or an injury, no matter how minor, is involved.
He added settling matters on scene is a dangerous practice. Often the reason a driver doesn’t want police involved is because they are driving without a valid licence or insurance.
If you are involved in a collision, you must report to the collision centre in person, with the vehicle involved, your registration, proof of insurance and driver’s licence.
“And you’re going to need information about the other driver. Be certain that you do get that name. Quite often we find drivers coming in here and having false names given at the scene, people trying to elude being a participant in the reporting process,” Porter said.
“We all know insurance rates are very high. What we’re also seeing is drivers trying to work out a deal at roadside, trying to avoid making that police report. That can be dangerous for a lot of reasons.”
Porter said if you witness a hit-and-run, which are becoming more common, try to record as much information as you can for the police investigation, and either leave a note with your contact information or phone police directly.
“Many parking lot fender bender hit-and-run collisions are completed as the result of Good Samaritan intervention,” he said.
