(Ottawa, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Ottawa Detachment responded to multiple incidents involving wheels separating from motor vehicles on Highway 417.
On May 1, 2015, at approximately 2:24 pm, a Commercial Motor Vehicle (cube van) lost both right rear wheels while traveling eastbound on Highway 417 near the Pinecrest overpass in the construction zone. There were no collisions or injuries as a result of this incident.
An Ottawa area company, G&K Services was charged with: Wheel separation – Commercial Motor Vehicle contrary to section HTA 84.1(1) of the Highway Traffic Act
The company is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice, Ottawa on June 12, 2015.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa OPP detachment at 613-270-9171.
Reminder: Wheel separation – Commercial Motor Vehicles
Wheel separation involving commercial motor vehicles is closely monitored and action is taken when operators are involved in these serious offences. The following measures have been introduced to reduce wheel separation or wheel-offs for commercial vehicles:
daily inspection requirements for drivers and operators
an absolute liability law for wheel separations
specialized training for technicians involved with wheel installations
increased on-road inspections from ministry enforcement officers and specially trained police officers
fines for wheel separations ranging from $2,000-$50,000
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/commercial-vehicle-safety-requirements.shtml
On May 3, 2015, at approximately 3:21pm, a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) was traveling eastbound on Highway 417, just east of the Pinecrest interchange when the left front wheel separated from the vehicle. The wheel bounced over the center median and struck a westbound sedan. Both the driver and passenger of the sedan received non-life threatening injuries, and were taken to an Ottawa area hospital. The driver of the SUV was in the process of pulling over when the wheel detached from the motor vehicle. No charges were laid in this incident.
Reminders
Motor Vehicles – Tire Changes
It is a good safety practice to inspect the wheels, wheel fasteners and tires after having new tires or wheels installed. Wheel manufacturers recommend having wheel fasteners rechecked between 80 km and 160 km after installation.