Dangerous Morning Commute on Highway 417
Emergency responders were called to multiple collision scenes on Highway 417 near St. Laurent Boulevard in Ottawa during the morning commute on Friday, November 28, 2025. The Ontario Provincial Police confirmed that slippery road conditions were responsible for several pileups that occurred during peak travel hours.
Icy Conditions Create Hazardous Driving
The incidents began unfolding early Friday morning as temperatures dropped and roads became increasingly icy. Multiple traffic cameras captured the chaotic scenes as vehicles struggled to maintain control on the slick highway surfaces. The Ministry of Transportation traffic camera near St. Laurent Boulevard showed emergency vehicles responding to the collision sites throughout the morning.
According to OPP reports, the series of collisions involved numerous vehicles and required significant emergency response resources. The exact number of vehicles involved and potential injuries remained under investigation as authorities worked to clear the scenes and restore normal traffic flow.
Winter Driving Challenges Begin Early
These early morning incidents serve as a stark reminder that winter driving conditions have arrived in the Ottawa region. The timing of these pileups during the Friday morning commute created significant disruptions for travelers heading to work and school.
Transportation officials urged drivers to adjust their driving habits for winter conditions, including reducing speed, increasing following distance, and ensuring vehicles are properly equipped for icy roads. The incidents highlight how quickly road conditions can change as temperatures fluctuate during late November.
Emergency crews remained on scene throughout the morning hours, working to clear damaged vehicles and treat any injured motorists. Traffic patterns were expected to remain affected during the cleanup operations.