Essex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding drivers of the second Collision Reporting Centre (CRC), located in the Municipality of Leamington.

The OPP is committed to providing a safer, quicker, and more convenient way for drivers to report collisions that involve property damage. Both CRC’s have been a huge success as drivers continue to use the services provided.

The Essex County OPP CRC’s can be found at the following locations from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (closed on statutory holidays):

• Essex County OPP Detachment located at 1219 Hicks Road, Lakeshore, ON

• Leamington OPP Detachment located at 7 Clark Street West, Leamington, ON

When should I use the CRC?

Use the CRC after a collision involving property damage, but no injuries to any of the involved parties. This eliminates the need to call for police attendance. Drivers can then move their vehicles, if driveable, to a safe location, reducing the risk of a secondary collision. This will further benefit motorists by reducing traffic congestion by ensuring that involved vehicles don’t interrupt traffic flow on roads and highways.

PLEASE NOTE: Drivers involved in a collision must exchange driver’s licence, vehicle and insurance information with the other involved drivers, as required by Ontario law. If the combined damage is estimated to be over $2,000, you are required to report the collision.

When you call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, drivers will be provided with detailed information on what they need to do and where they can go to report a collision.

Drivers ARE required to contact police and an officer will attend the scene if a collision involves:

•          any injuries or death.

•          a driver failed to remain at the scene.

•          any vehicle carrying dangerous goods.

•          any suspected criminal activity (impaired driver, stolen vehicle).

•          any driver that refuses to cooperate with the required exchange of information.

•          any municipal, provincial, or federal vehicle.

•          damage to the highway property or private property.

•          a cyclist or pedestrian.

•          a vehicle is blocking a live lane(s) and can’t be moved.

•          police attendance is requested at the scene by any involved driver(s).

For more information about OPP CRC locations near you, visit opp.ca – Collisions and Breakdowns or by clicking on the following link: http://www.opp.ca/collisions.

Photo by Mike Gosselin