The OPP are encouraging residents to think before posting to social media.
OPP officials say on July 30 at around 4:40 p.m., Chatham-Kent Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Chatham-Kent Fire Service, and Chatham-Kent Emergency Medical Services (EMS), responded to a six vehicle collision on Highway 401 near Dillon Road.
Police say a westbound tractor trailer collided with five vehicles which were stopped on the highway due to a separate motor vehicle collision.
One of the vehicles involved was a Chevrolet Sierra pick-up truck carrying four passengers.
As a result of the collision, two passengers traveling in the pick-up were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police officials say while on scene, officers observed motorists using their cellular phones to take pictures and video.
“One motorist even stated he was live streaming the collision scene,” Chatham-Kent OPP officials stated.
“All of this was being done before police were able to confirm who was inside the vehicle and make arrangements for notifying the next of kin. Death notification by social media is not right.”
Police say the public is being asked to think before you post.
“How would you like to find out through social media that your loved one was involved in a motor vehicle collision?” OPP officials stated.
“Don’t rubberneck if there’s an incident on the road. Resist the urge to look when passing a collision; not only does rubbernecking slow traffic further but it could also result in you causing another collision.”
The OPP would like to remind drivers who use their cellphones for taking photos at collision scenes that they could be charged with distracted driving.
The set fine for distracted driving is $490, which includes a victim surcharge and a court fee, along with three demerit points.
Click here for more information on Distracted Driving.
