Transport driver and company facing multiple charges following a fatal horse and buggy collision 

By Rosalind Russell – Charges have been laid against a transport driver and a company after a fatal collision with a horse and buggy last December (on Dec. 4, 2023). 

East Algoma OPP Constable Bev Gauthier says a tractor trailer struck a horse and buggy that were travelling eastbound on Highway 17 in the Municipality of Huron Shores. 

She says the 29-year-old buggy operator succumbed to the extensive injuries after being transported to hospital. 

Gauthier says a 56-year-old man from Orillia is facing 32 charges related to the crash, including careless driving, driving while suspended, and others related to vehicle defects and logs.  

The company is facing 36 charges including 15 counts of permitting a person to drive commercial motor vehicle not in accordance with the regulations, 16 of failing to monitor drivers, and others. 

She adds the accused are to appear in Sault Ste. Marie court August 4th to answer to the charges. 

Charge details …

The 56 years-of-age from Orillia was charged with: 

Driving while under suspension 

Careless driving 

Fail to maintain daily log (fifteen counts) 

Fail to accurately complete daily inspection report 

Drive commercial motor vehicle with a major defect in it or drawn vehicle 

Improperly drive commercial motor vehicle with a minor defect in it or in drawn vehicle 

Overweight dual axle…kg. Class A Highway 

Overweight four axle group…kg. Class A Highway – liftable axle deployed improperly 

Operate unsafe vehicle -commercial motor vehicle 

Operate commercial motor vehicle with load not secured as prescribed 

Improper muffler-motor vehicle 

No clear view to front 

Drive after 16 hours since break without 8 hours off 

Enter inaccurate information in record (two counts) 

Drive after 14 hours on duty without 8 hours off 

Push rod stroke exceeds prescribed limit – commercial motor vehicle 

Wheel brake operating improperly – commercial motor vehicle 

The company is charged with:  

Permit person to drive commercial motor vehicle not in accordance with the regulations (fifteen counts) 

Fail to monitor driver’s compliance (sixteen counts) 

Request, require or allow non-compliance (four counts) 

Permit operation of commercial motor vehicle with load not secured as prescribed