Tractor Trailer Driver Charged After Forcing Another Tractor Trailer Off Road & Passing Snow Plow

(MUNICIPALITY OF WEST PERTH, ON) – On Wednesday January 13, 2016, around 7 p.m., a motorist contacted the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and reported observing a full sized tractor trailer being driven in a dangerous manner as it proceeded to pass a snow plow.

Investigation revealed that a south bound snow plow actively involved in snow removal operations on Hwy 23 between Monkton and Bornholm travelled at a speed of 40 km/h. Behind the snow plow were a number of vehicles including two tractor trailers. The last tractor trailer proceeded to pass the vehicles behind the plow in an unsafe manner forcing the other tractor trailer onto the west shoulder. The passing tractor trailer while following the plow continued encroaching onto the north bound lane leaving little room for north bound vehicles. The tractor trailer passed the snow plow and continued south towards Mitchell.

The offending tractor trailer was pulled over by police in Mitchell and the 62-year-old male driver from Hanover was subsequently charged with “pass roadway not clear – approaching traffic”, contrary to the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario.

The Perth County OPP wants to remind motorists that PASSING A SNOW PLOW IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE:

The large blades on snow plows extend a metre or more ahead and to the right of the truck, often extending into the right hand lane

Snow plows are wider at the front than they appear to be from the rear

Even at reduced plowing speeds light powdery snow forms a cloud that severely restricts visibility

The road surface is always better behind the plow than in front of it.

Respect snow plows and when you encounter one coming from the opposite direction, move as far away from the centreline of the pavement as you safely can.

Remember winter driving is here, stay alert, slow down, be patient, and stay in control.

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