(STRONG TWP, ON) – On Tuesday January 12, 2016 at approximately 12:00 p.m. the Almaguin Highlands Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a motor vehicle collision. The collision occurred on Highway 11 when a tractor trailer attempted to pass between two snow plows that were travelling southbound in echelon.
The tractor trailer operator attempted to pass in between the two snow plows, but struck the wing of the first plow, causing the plow to go into the center median ditch. OPP officers were also travelling behind the plows and stopped the transport driver shortly after the collision.
The driver of the transport, Harold BOYLE, 52 of Kitchener Ontario was charged with fail to remain, contrary to section 200(1)(a) of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and attempt to pass-roadway not clear-overtaking traffic, contrary to section 148(8)(b) of the HTA.
The driver is to appear at the Ontario Provincial Court in Sundridge on Thursday March 17, 2016 in Sundridge Ontario.
Almaguin Highlands OPP would like to remind motorists that the snow plows are looking after our roadways to make it safe for vehicles to travel. Please slow down, be patient and let the snow plow operators do their job. If the weather is inclement, be prepared and plan to leave early to reach your destination safely. OPP has also investigated an incident where a motorist followed a snow plow operator back to their workplace and assaulted the driver. The snow plow driver declined to lay charges.
Remember the snow plow operators are there to make your drive safer.