Vehicle Rolls Near Listowel With Infant On Board – Driver Swatting Flies Triggers Incident

(MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH PERTH, ON) – On Tuesday July 26, 2016, shortly before 9 a.m., Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were dispatched to a single motor vehicle crash on Perth Road 140 South of Line 90 (north/east of Listowel).

Investigation revealed that Toyota SUV travelled southbound on Perth Road 140 when the driver was bothered by flies inside the vehicle. The driver swatted the flies and while doing so lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle veered onto the West gravel shoulder and struck a guard rail. After the vehicle destroyed approximately 20 meters of guard rail it rolled into the West ditch.

The 24-year-old female driver, a Minto Twp. resident sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. A baby, properly harnessed in a car seat was uninjured. The vehicle sustained extensive damage as a result of the collision. The female driver has been charged with “careless driving” contrary to the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario.

Motorists are urged to reduce distractions prior to and while driving. Some in-vehicle distractions to be aware of and to try and reduce:

Passengers & conversations (screaming children)

Unsecured pets

Mobile devices

Listening to music too loudly

Locating addresses & setting GPS

Smoking

Personal Grooming

Eating & drinking

Adjusting vehicle inside and outside of their vehicles

Swatting insects in the vehicle

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