With hundreds of crashes and vehicles sliding into ditches across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area in the past day, drivers are being urged to stay off the roads if possible.
Ontario Provincial Police reported roughly 100 collisions in the last 24 hours, along with another 100 calls for vehicles stuck in ditches. CAA South Central Ontario spokesperson Nadia Matos reinforced the message during an interview Sunday, encouraging people to remain at home even if they feel confident driving, noting that staying off the roads is the safest option.
Poor visibility and difficult road conditions are slowing emergency and roadside responses. As a result, CAA is prioritizing motorists in dangerous situations and limiting towing distances to about 30 kilometres. Drivers who are safely at home may face longer wait times, as crews focus on those stranded in hazardous conditions.
Unsafe situations include being stopped in an active traffic lane, experiencing a mechanical breakdown while exposed to severe weather, or being locked out of a vehicle. Heavier snowfall in parts of the GTHA is also making it harder for responders to reach some areas.
As conditions worsen into the evening, Matos warned that reduced visibility will further affect both drivers and emergency crews. She emphasized the importance of slowing down and moving over to give tow operators, first responders and other road workers enough space to safely do their jobs.
CAA anticipates an increase in tow-related calls by Monday morning as commuters return to the roads.
Update – By Monday morning, OPP responded to about 200 collisions and 150 calls of vehicles stuck in ditches.