Ontario Provincial Police say it's tough to pinpoint why serious accidents happen on Hwy. 40 between Chatham and Wallaceburg.
Following a serious crash involving an ambulance, BlackburnNews.com asked OPP Constable Jay Denorer about the stretch of highway. He says whatever the problem is, speed likely isn't a factor.
"Last year I set up two speed cameras on Hwy. 40. I monitored the data over a weekend," says Denorer. "I didn't find any increase in speed. It's hard for us to pinpoint exactly what is causing the collisions."
Denorer couldn't speak to any possible highway improvements, because that's a Ministry of Transportation issue.
Widening of the Hwy. north of Wallaceburg is on the MTO's list of Southern Highways Program, but isn't currently scheduled for construction. There's also intersection improvements going on Hwy. 40 at Colborne St. But MTO officials say there are no current projects planned for the stretch of the highway between Chatham and Wallaceburg.
In the meantime, Denorer urges motorists to continue following the rules of the road, especially when it comes to cellphone use.
"You'll see somebody cross over the centre line, even when you're in your civilian car you see they're on their phone," says Denorer. "The biggest message we can put out is to just put your phone down. It's not worth your life to try and send a message."
