OPP Releases Harrowing Dashcam Footage of Officer Struck During Winter Storm
The Ontario Provincial Police have made public a chilling dashcam video capturing the terrifying moment one of their officers was struck by his own police cruiser during a severe winter storm. The incident, which occurred amid near-zero visibility conditions, highlights the extreme dangers faced by first responders during hazardous weather events across the province.
"I Probably Went 10 Feet": Officer Describes Moment of Impact
According to official reports, the officer had exited his marked cruiser during the winter storm to attend to another vehicle when the police vehicle was violently rear-ended by another motorist. The force of the collision propelled the cruiser forward, striking the officer who was standing nearby. "I probably went 10 feet," the officer later recounted, describing the sudden impact that sent him flying through the air before landing on the snow-covered roadway.
Zero Visibility Conditions Create Perfect Storm for Disaster
The dashcam footage reveals the challenging conditions that contributed to this dangerous incident:
- Heavy snowfall reducing visibility to near-zero levels
- Slippery road surfaces creating hazardous driving conditions
- Limited reaction time for approaching motorists
- Emergency lighting partially obscured by blowing snow
The released video serves as a stark reminder of how quickly routine traffic stops can turn dangerous during winter weather events. Police officials emphasize that the footage underscores the importance of exercising extreme caution when approaching emergency vehicles with activated lights, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
Winter Driving Safety Reminders from Police Authorities
Following the release of this dramatic footage, OPP officials have reiterated crucial winter driving safety guidelines:
- Reduce speed significantly during poor visibility conditions
- Increase following distance to allow for longer stopping distances
- Move over and slow down when approaching emergency vehicles
- Ensure vehicle lights are clean and functioning properly
- Consider postponing non-essential travel during severe weather warnings
The officer involved in this incident was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision while using this footage as an educational tool to promote winter driving safety awareness throughout Ontario communities.
