Multiple collisions during weekend cold snap

A weekend cold snap led to frigid temperatures in the low 30s and a multitude of smashed cars, as motorists slogged through slushy conditions on Friday, January 21 and extremely cold ones between January 22 and 23.

A total of fourteen collisions took place in the Argenteuil region during this three-day span, only one of which led to minor injuries. A deer was involved in one of the 14 cases and in the remaining 13 accidents, driver error and difficult driving conditions were listed as contributing factors.

Sûreté du Quebec spokesman for the Lachute division Gilles Mitchell advises drivers to be aware of the road conditions and to take the necessary precautions, such as leaving a greater distance between vehicles during the winter months and to be wary of things like black ice and inclement weather.

"Drivers must act responsibly, maintain a reasonable distance from the vehicle in front of them and be aware that your winter braking distance needs to account for road conditions. Adapting your driving to weather and road conditions is essential to ensure the safety of all road users," said Mitchell.