911 on a cell phone  © Can Stock Photo / daisydaisy911 on a cell phone © Can Stock Photo / daisydaisy
Windsor

Want to Know About Road Conditions? Don't Call 911

Ontario Provincial Police is reminding drivers that 911 is not for asking about wintry roads.

With winter weather now a way of life in southwestern Ontario, road conditions are a concern. Yet the OPP says the 911 emergency line is often tied up by drivers calling to ask about road conditions and closures caused by wintry weather.

OPP Const. Jay Denorer is reminding people that 911 is to be used only when life or property is immediately threatened, or if a crime is in progress.

The number is not to be used for inquiring about road conditions, school closings or weather warnings, and it is not to be used for directory assistance, reporting lost pets or for complaining about businesses.

Denorer says 911 calls that are not emergencies take up dispatchers' time since every call must be verified and investigated. This could lengthen response time for people in the midst of a urgent situation where every second counts.

There are options besides 911 for getting winter road information. Ontario 511 is a phone and online service provided by the Ministry of Transportation, giving the latest voice-activated, hands-free information on provincial highways. Road closures, winter road conditions and construction projects are compiled through the 511 service.

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