Snow buildup on cars causing a spike in accidents

Ottawa drivers were involved in 41 traffic collisions in Ottawa this morning, according to the Ottawa Police Services.

While there were no major collisions, Const. Chuck Benoit said that drivers have not been paying attention to snow and ice, leading to a spike in accidents.

About 1.6 mm of snow fell in the Ottawa area last night, Environment Canada reported.

“We’re seeing a lot of cars in ditches this morning. Drivers are still rubbernecking and not leaving a gap between themselves and other vehicles,” Benoit said. 

Drivers failing to remove snow and ice from their cars were a major factor in some accidents, he said.  

Benoit said another police officer pulled over 63 drivers for this infraction today, and he advised drivers that a significant amount of snow on a car could lead to charges.