Victim May Lose Both Legs After Tragic Highway Accident In The Middle Of The Night

What started as a simple traffic accident has ended in a major tragedy.

Just before 2:30am Tuesday, two cars were involved in a fairly minor accident in the middle lanes of the 401 collectors just east of Bayview.

As those two men were sorting out the specifics, a third vehicle came along in the darkness and hit one of the cars.

When that driver got out to join in the discussion, disaster struck.

“The driver of the third car, a 29-year-old Toronto man, got out to see what the damage was and a fourth car slammed into that group of cars, crushing the man’s legs,” explains O.P.P. Sgt. Cam Woolley.

The victim was pinned against one of the cars and his injuries were severe – one of his legs was completely severed by the impact, while the other was badly crushed between the two bumpers.

He was rushed to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, but doctors aren’t sure whether they can reattach the limbs.

As bad as it was, it could have been worse. The O.P.P. claims several drivers who came on the scene were able to veer around it at the last second and keep going.

One was a car that changed lanes. Another was a truck driver whose big rig almost jacknifed as he pulled on the steering wheel.

Both kept going and cops are hoping whoever those people were will call them as witnesses to the accident.

As a result of the tragedy, the eastbound collectors from Yonge to Leslie had to be shut down while reconstruction specialists attempted to pinpoint exactly what happened. They re-opened about five hours later.

The closure caused back-ups on the highway during the morning rush, as motorists were forced to head into other lanes to avoid the shutdown.

Officials are hoping this incident reinforces a rule of the road many forget. If you have an accident on the highway, never stand in a live lane. Move off to the side onto the shoulder until police arrive.

If your vehicle is not driveable, get out and find a safe location or on the other side of a guardrail,” Woolley pleads.  “[And] never, ever, ever turn your back on the traffic.”


What Should You Do If You’re In Accident On The Highway Or Your Car Breaks Down?

No matter the time of the day, having your car break down on the highway can cause any motorist’s heart to sink.

The stream of traffic zooming past at more than 100 kilometres an hour can turn a pretty straightforward situation like a flat tire or slight mishap into a frightening experience.

Would you know what to do if your car breaks down and you can’t get it to the shoulder, or when it’s safe to change a flat if a tire happens to blow on the highway?

Here are some suggestions:

Car Breaks Down Or You Have An Accident & You Can’t Get Over To The Shoulder (Getting stuck in a live lane)

“If they’re in a live lane of traffic they have to get out of the car,” Sgt. Brian Bowman of Toronto Police Traffic Services tells CityNews.ca.

In his experience, when he’s had to stop with a police car, officers don’t put the vehicle in park. Instead, they sit with the brake on and carefully watch the rear view mirror “because we get hit all the time.” If it looks like someone’s coming, you can take evasive action.

Sgt. Bowman notes you should climb over the guardrail if you’re stuck in the far right hand lane and wait there. “If you’re on the left side, I would go somewhere ahead of my vehicle and off to the side and be watching vigilantly for traffic coming, that’s overtaking your vehicle.”

Every situation will be different in terms of location, weather and traffic flow, but if you can, Bowman suggests you find a safe place outside your vehicle to wait.

Your Car Breaks Down & You’re On The Shoulder

No matter what time of day it is, or how busy the road, you should never get out of your vehicle. Your best bet is to call a tow truck, which you can access by calling * OPP   to contact police. “We have tow trucks available and we can come and block the highway behind you,” Bowman advises.

And if you’re stopped in a hazardous position, don’t be afraid to call 911.

O.P.P. Const. G. D’Souza stresses that you should never open your car door or window to a stranger, especially if you’re a female motorist. Indicate to the person who’s looking to help that you need assistance by using a sign.

When Is It Safe To Change A Flat Tire?

If you get a flat and you’re on the side of the highway, is it safe to change the tire?

“Only if the distance between where the vehicle is, as far as the tire change, does not afford you in any way being an obstruction to a live lane of traffic,” D’Souza warns.

“If the distance between the white line that actually signifies where the shoulder is, if you’re really close to the white line, forget changing the tire.”

The preference is that you stay in your car, turn the hazard lights on, and call the O.P.P.

If you don’t have a cell phone, place a ‘Call Help’ or ‘Call Police’ sign in your window. Those placards can be purchased at most hardware stores, or you can make one and keep it in your car for emergencies.

Cops also regularly patrol the highways looking for drivers in trouble. Wait long enough and they’ll find you. You may also be spotted on one of the M.T.O. cameras. But don’t get out unless you’re sure it’s safe.

“You might think, ‘oh great I’ve got maybe five feet of clearance,’ and then you go out and next thing you know you’re adjusting your body to see where my jack should go and the next thing you know you’ve got a foot in a live lane,” D’Souza concludes.

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