OPP Responded To Multiple Collisions, Traffic Hazards Amid Snowstorm

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Bruce Peninsula OPP Report

Media Release

(GREY BRUCE, ON) – On February 17, 2025, despite warnings from the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), individuals continued to travel on roads impacted by severe whiteout conditions and poor visibility, leading to significant safety concerns.

The Grey Bruce OPP responded to 38 motor vehicle collisions, including four collisions involving seven or more vehicles with outcomes ranging from no injuries to minor injuries. Additionally, the OPP dealt with 15 traffic hazards, including individuals who became stuck in snowdrifts and snowbanks, some of whom were trapped in their vehicles for hours while waiting for tow trucks.

The OPP urges drivers to heed the advice to limit travel to essential trips only. Regardless of driving experience or comfort level, this precaution is vital for the safety of all road users, first responders, and tow truck operators. To further ensure public safety, yesterday, the OPP strongly advised to consider all roads in Grey and Bruce counties as closed, reinforcing the importance of keeping essential services and first responders safe.

The OPP continues to warn drivers on delaying their travel plans until the snow squalls are over and weather improves.

SNOWMOBILE INSPECTIONS YIELDS CHARGES

(SOUTH BRUCE PENINSULA, ON) – On February 11, 2025, eight snowmobiles were checked during a snowmobile inspection. One individual is facing charges.

On February 11, 2025, at around 2:32 p.m., officers from the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were performing snowmobile inspections at Ontario Snowmobile Club Trail B, located at Spring Creek Road in South Bruce Peninsula. All snowmobile operators were complying with the law, except for one.

A 16-year-old of South Bruce Peninsula was charged with the following:

· Drive motorized snow vehicle, trail permit not issued

· Improper muffler

 The driver was warned for the following:

· Fail to display registration number

· Engage in prohibited activity on premises

· Disobey sign

From February 10-17, 2025, during Snowmobile Safety Week, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be actively patrolling snowmobile trails to ensure compliance with safety regulations. The OPP urges snowmobilers to strictly follow designated Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails, as these routes are regularly maintained throughout the season, offering the safest terrain for riders.

For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, please stay on marked trails and adhere to all safety guidelines.

ALPR HIT LEADS TO IMPAIRED BY DRUG CHARGE

(GEORGIAN BLUFFS, ON) – On February 10, 2025, one individual was arrested and is facing charges after the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received an automated licence plate reader (ALPR) hit for a suspended driver.

On February 10, 2025, at approximately 11:43 a.m., the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was patrolling Grey Road 17 in Georgian Bluffs when the officer received an ALPR hit on a licence plate for a suspended driver. The vehicle was stopped and the officer determined that the driver was showing signs of impairment. The driver was brought to the Wiarton OPP Detachment for an assessment by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

A 59-year-old from Neyaashiinigmiing was charged with the following:

· Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

· Driving while under suspension

· Operate motor vehicle without insurance

The accused party is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on February 27, 2025

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) and seven-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute.

Whether a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, impaired is impaired, and impaired driving is dangerous regardless of the source of impairment

TRAFFIC COMPLAINT LEADS TO IMPAIRED BY DRUG CHARGE

(SOUTH BRUCE PENINSULA, ON) – On February 5, 2025, one individual was arrested and is facing charges after the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received multiple traffic complaints on the same vehicle.

On February 4, 2025, at approximately 8:01 a.m., the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to multiple traffic complaints regarding a vehicle traveling southbound on Highway 6, north of Wiarton. The vehicle was reported to be driving below the speed limit and, on several occasions, was observed in the opposite lane of traffic.

Officers located the vehicle in the Foodland parking lot in Wiarton, where the driver was arrested. The individual was then transported to the Wiarton OPP Detachment for an assessment by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

A 44-year-old from Northern Bruce Peninsula was charged with the following:

· Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

· Dangerous operation

· Class G1 licence holder – unaccompanied by qualified driver

The accused party is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound on February 20, 2025

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) and seven-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute.

The Grey Bruce OPP want to thank the public for the calls into our communication center to report the traffic complaint. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it. The OPP relies on the public to report crime. Impaired driving is a crime that should be treated no differently.