RENFREW — The Renfrew Detachment of the OPP has charged a male after a collision closed Highway 17 near Renfrew on Monday, July 4.
On July 4, at 3 p.m., a 2011 Dodge Ram pickup truck was westbound on Highway 17 at the Bonnechere River Bridge in the Township of Horton. This vehicle was towing a 1990 McCoy, dual-axle dump trailer and was loaded with a soil/gravel mixture. This vehicle combination was determined to be a “Commercial Motor Vehicle” within the meaning of the Highway Traffic Act by way of actual gross weight.
The investigation revealed a wheel completely separated from the front, right trailer axle causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The front-end of the vehicle struck the concrete wall on the bridge causing significant damage. The load carried in the trailer spilled across both lanes of the highway. Highway 17 was closed for approximately two hours as a result.
Gordon Scurr, 64, of Horton Township, was the driver and registered owner of the both the truck and trailer. He has been charged with the following six offences. He was issued a summons to appear in Provincial Offences court in Renfrew on Friday, August 19.
Sgt Derek McLeod led the investigation.
Charge 1: Operate vehicle – fail to display device, 85(1) HTA
The total combined gross weight of the involved commercial motor vehicle was determined to be 7,420 kg. This amount exceeded 4,500 kg. Both the involved truck and trailer required annual safety inspection stickers to be affixed and displayed in the manner prescribed.
Charge 2: Wheel Separation – Commercial Motor Vehicle, 84.1(1) HTA
The wheel and hub assembly on the front, right trailer axle completely detached from the trailer.
Charge 3: Driver Commercial Motor Vehicle – Improper Licence, 32(1) HTA
The involved vehicle was towing a trailer with an actual gross weight exceeding 4,600 kg and required the driver to possess a “Class A” Ontario Driver’s Licence or equivalent.
Charge 4: Improper Brakes on Trailer – Commercial Motor Vehicle, 64(5) HTA
The involved trailer had a gross weight exceeding 1,360 kg. It was not equipped with brakes adequate to stop and hold the vehicle.
Charge 5: Overweight vehicle – violate permit by 4420 kg, 121(1) HTA
The involved vehicle had a Registered Gross Weight (RGW) of 3,000 kg as registered with the Ministry of Transportation. The gross weight of the involved vehicle exceeded this weight.
Charge 6: Draw trailer, no identification number, 10(2)(a) HTA
Upon inspection by police, the involved trailer had no vehicle identification number (VIN) displayed or affixed.
Drivers are encouraged to make sure they understand the licencing and inspection requirements if they plan on towing trailers. Research the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario online or attend a Service Ontario office for more information. As a driver you are responsible for the safety and security of your load if you are towing, as well as the safety of other road users.
