THE COUNTIES, Ontario - The SDG Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has launched the province's newest Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) in Long Sault.
Motorists involved in a property damage collision, within SDG, can report their collision at the CRC at the OPP detachment located at 4 Mille Roches Road, Long Sault. The CRC will operate Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the exception of statutory holidays. Drivers involved in a property damage collision can conveniently report their collision within 48 hours of the occurrence.
The Highway Traffic Act requires that all collisions involving injuries or property damage valued at more than $2,000, or damage to any highway property to be reported to police forthwith. Reporting to the CRC will meet this requirement.
Property damage collisions consume a large amount of police resources and time as well as put all involved occupants at risk of being involved in a secondary collision and greater risk of injury.
The SDG OPP will continue to offer the same excellent service in responding to collisions that require an officer to attend, however, many collisions on Counties highways are minor in nature and drivers are able to clear their vehicles quickly and safely off the highway without police assistance. An officer who attends a collision may direct those involved persons to attend the CRC.
One of the goals is to ensure that property-damage collisions no longer increase traffic congestion and reduce the chance of a more serious collision from occurring. This is achieved by diverting motorists to a location off the highway to allow the administration of reporting the collision.
The CRC will provide a more effective use of police resources and allow frontline officers to focus more time on proactive efforts to enhance public safety.
Collisions involving the following will continue to have an officer investigate the collision at the scene:
- Death or Injury
- Transportation of dangerous goods
- Involving large commercial motor vehicles
- Fail to remain (unless no driver or vehicle information available for follow up)
- Collision where there is suspicion of criminal activity
- Suspended or unlicensed drivers
- Uninsured vehicles
- Drivers refusing to share required information to other drivers
- Vehicles blocking live lanes of traffic
- Damage to private, public or government property
- Government vehicles, or
- Collisions involving a pedestrian or cyclist
An involved driver at any collision may request to have an OPP officer attend the scene if the collision has occurred in OPP jurisdiction.