A transport truck driver from Windsor is facing multiple charges following an early morning collision with a tow truck on a northern Ontario highway, provincial police report.
Details of the Highway 11 Incident
The Ontario Provincial Police from the Bracebridge detachment responded to the incident, which occurred on January 4, 2026, at approximately 4:30 a.m. in Gravenhurst. According to investigators, officers were already on the scene handling a separate single-vehicle collision when the tow truck assisting at the location was struck by a passing transport truck.
Miraculously, no injuries were reported as a result of the secondary collision. The driver of the transport truck, a 27-year-old man from Windsor, was subsequently charged by police.
Charges and Police Reminder
The driver now faces charges under the Highway Traffic Act, including careless driving and failure to move into another lane for an emergency vehicle or tow truck.
In a news release posted on social media platform X, the OPP stated: “This incident serves as an important reminder of the risks faced by tow‑truck operators, emergency responders, and roadside‑assistance workers who routinely perform their duties in active traffic.”
Understanding Ontario's "Move Over" Law
The OPP used this opportunity to reiterate the province's roadside safety laws. Ontario’s "Move Over" law requires all drivers to slow down and proceed with caution when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights flashing.
On roads with two or more lanes, drivers must leave a full lane of space between their vehicle and the stopped emergency vehicle if it is safe to do so. This law applies to:
- Police, fire, and ambulance vehicles
- Tow trucks
- Roadside assistance vehicles
Police provided the following safety reminders for all motorists:
- Slow down and move over when safe.
- Increase your distance from workers and equipment near traffic lanes.
- Stay alert for changing road and weather conditions.
- Avoid distractions and allow extra time to react.
Failure to comply can result in significant penalties, including:
- Fines of up to $4,000
- Demerit points upon conviction
- A possible driver's licence suspension for up to two years
- For subsequent offences within five years, a jail term of up to six months is possible
It is also illegal to follow within 150 metres of a fire vehicle or ambulance that is responding to a call.
