Four truckers have been charged after a day with adverse winter weather conditions saw police respond to multiple crashes involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) on Highway 11.
The charges are related to two notable crashes yesterday (Dec. 4) in the Driftwood area and near Hearst.
Around 9:30 a.m., James Bay OPP was controlling traffic while a vehicle was towed from the ditch on Highway 11 in Driftwood. A parked CMV was hit from behind by another CMV.
A 20-year-old from Saskatoon is charged with careless driving causing bodily harm. A passenger in the vehicle was brought to the hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries, said police.
Around 10:30 a.m., there was a collision involving six CMVs on Highway 11 about 120 kilometres west of Hearst.
In that incident, police say three drivers — a 31-year-old from Cambridge, a 30-year-old from Brampton, and a 29-year-old from Brampton — were charged with careless driving.
Both stretches of highway were closed for the investigation and cleanup, and the areas were each reopened by 4 p.m., said police.
The collisions happened the day after James Bay-Mushkegowuk MPP Guy Bourgouin called for mandatory winter driving simulation training for new truck drivers. The private member's bill he introduced would require all new Class A and D license holders to complete an additional 20 hours of truck simulation training under winter conditions.
SEE: MPP wants mandatory winter driving training for new truck drivers
RELATED: Driver, company charged after wheels come off transport on Highway 11
OPP is urging all drivers, especially truckers, to be extremely cautious driving in winter conditions.
"Reduce your speed, increase following distances, and avoid sudden manoeuvres when snow or ice is present on roadways. Stay informed of road and weather conditions and only travel when necessary," said police in a news release.
"The OPP remains committed to ensuring the safety of all road users and will continue enforcing traffic laws to reduce the risk of collisions."
