According to a recent report, a semi-truck crashed onto Highway 401 in Ontario after falling off the Highway 404 ramp. The accident happened just after 3:30 p.m. during the afternoon commute on March 23 and was captured on the dash-cam of a nearby motorist.
According to OPP, the semi-truck was heading south on Highway 404 and intending to travel west on Highway 401 when the driver lost control. Then, the truck fell off the ramp and into the westbound traffic. Two other vehicles were hit during the accident, and all of the westbound express lanes on Highway 401 were closed for hours as crews worked to remove the semi-truck from the scene, causing congestion on the highway.
No serious injuries were reported. However, the truck driver was hospitalized at North York General Hospital with minor injuries. Two other motorists suffered minor injuries and were also hospitalized.
Authorities said early the following day that it appears the 21-year-old truck driver was going too fast for the 50 km/h speed limit on the ramp. Furthermore, a mechanical inspection of the vehicle did not find any defects. Reports say that the man was charged with careless driving and has a May court appearance scheduled.
Traffic collisions that involve speeding semi-trucks or truck drivers who are distracted have the potential to cause serious, life-threatening injuries. When drivers or vehicle defects that might be caused by lack of maintenance cause the crashes, the injured victims might be entitled to compensation through personal injury claims filed against the liable parties.
Source: CTV News, “Truck driver charged with careless driving in dramatic Hwy. 401 rollover,” March 24, 2015
