Provincial police in Bruce County are warning motorists about the dangers of driving in severe winter weather after a police cruiser was rear-ended in near whiteout conditions and pushed into an officer.
South Bruce OPP had stopped to assist at a minor two-vehicle collision during heavy snow and strong winds that severely limited visibility. Dashcam video shows an officer standing roadside speaking with a driver. At the time, police reported no injuries and only minor damage from the initial crash.
Moments after one vehicle left the scene, another car—unseen in the footage—slammed into the back of the police cruiser. The impact forced the cruiser forward, striking the officer. Interior camera footage shows the sudden jolt inside the vehicle, throwing an officer and the two civilians from the earlier collision forward.
Despite the force of the crash, police initially reported no serious injuries. Footage later shows one officer walking through blowing snow to check on his partner before both return to the cruiser. Police later confirmed the struck officer suffered minor injuries.
The officers describe the impact as severe and unexpected, noting the vehicle hit them at a dangerous speed in conditions where visibility was nearly zero.
OPP say the incident highlights how quickly roadside stops can turn dangerous during winter storms. They are urging drivers to avoid travel during severe weather whenever possible, and to significantly reduce speed if they must be on the roads.