On Tuesday September 9th, 2014 at 5:40am Elgin County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Officers were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision on Hwy #3 just east of Springfield road, Malahide Township.
A 2004 Chevrolet pick-up truck, being driven by a 17 year old male youth from the Municipality of Bayham, was west bound on Hwy #3 when the truck crossed over the centre line and into the path of east bound on-coming traffic.
Witnesses indicated that a mini-van, which was traveling east on Highway #3, had to swerve out of the way to avoid a collision. The mini-van was not struck and continued on without stopping. After the near collision the pick-up truck left the roadway, severed off a mailbox and entered the south ditch. The truck then struck a guide wire supporting a hydro pole which snapped the pole and tore the hydro line from a nearby residence. The front of the truck then came to rest buried into a bank at the edge of the driveway to the nearby residence.
Elgin County Ontario Provincial Police investigation revealed that the driver of the truck had fallen asleep. Seatbelts were in use by the driver and alcohol and distracted driving were not a factor. Environmental factors were not an issue.
Police have charged the driver of the pick-up, a 17 year male youth from the Municipality of Bayham with;
Careless Driving contrary to the Highway Traffic Act.
Highway #3 was closed for approximately 15 minutes to faciliate the removal of the vehicle.