The Timmins Police Service has investigated a series of motor vehicle collisions on Hwy 101 at or on Rae Hill with the most recent one occurring yesterday morning resulting in a significant road closure.

Two of these collisions are linked to pick-up trucks proceeding up the hill and losing control and traveling into the path of oncoming traffic.

Investigators link these preventable collisions to driver action in terms of losing momentum while proceeding up the hill followed by abrupt acceleration. This sudden acceleration is a causal factor in the individual driver losing control of the vehicle they are driving.

Additionally, in two recent collisions, the vehicles involved were not equipped with winter tires.

The Timmins Police remind area drivers that the winter season is well underway and with that the following must be kept in mind:

  • All season tires are significantly less effective in snowy conditions. If your vehicle is equipped with these types of tires during the winter season, added attentiveness is called for.
  • All season tires are in fact “three season” tires and we are in the fourth season.
  • Drivers should approach any significant grade, including Rae Hill, while not in “overdrive” as your vehicle’s transmission will downshift when the vehicle loses momentum and the driver seeks to increase the speed of the vehicle. This downshifting quite often causes a momentary lack of traction with the roadway.

Lastly, 4 wheel drive always has its limits and is no substitute for good judgment, speed discipline and greater following distances between your vehicle and the vehicle you are following.

Filed under: Local News