Driver in Hwy. 401 crash that injured 4 had G1 licence and no insurance: OPP
Posted January 23, 2023 6:17 am.
Last Updated January 23, 2023 12:43 pm.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say the driver of a vehicle that crashed in the collectors lanes of Highway 401 at Port Union on Sunday night had a G1 licence and no insurance.
Four people were taken to hospital after the single-vehicle crash at around 8 p.m.
It was initially reported two people had life-threatening injuries but those have since been downgraded, according to police.
The eastbound collector lanes were closed at Morningside Avenue for several hours but have since reopened.
In a follow up, the OPP tweeted that the G1 licence holder was operation the vehicle without insurance “in winter driving conditions.”
1 person ejected, 4 people to hospital. #Hwy401/Port Union. #TorontoOPP investigating. Vehicle struck an end treatment between the express and collectors. The G1 licence holder operating a vehicle without insurance in winter weather driving conditions. Investigation ongoing. pic.twitter.com/1i6dwvZkML
— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) January 23, 2023
An investigation is ongoing.
According to the Ministry of Transportation website, the G1 licence is the first in a two-step graduated licencing system that’s “designed to give new drivers time to practice and gain driving experience over time.”
Among the rules (full list below) G1 holders are not allowed to drive on 400-series highways.
It’s not clear yet if any charges are pending.
G1 licence holders must adhere to the following: (Source: Ministry of Transportation)
- maintain a zero blood alcohol level (no alcohol in your blood)
- make sure every passenger with you wears a properly working seatbelt
- not drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
- not drive on 400-series highways or high-speed expressways (e.g., 401, Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), Gardiner Expressway)
- Drive with a fully licensed driver who has:
- at least four years of driving experience
- a blood alcohol level of less than .05 (if this person is 21 and under, their blood alcohol level should be zero)
- The driver accompanying you must be the only other person in the front seat. If you are driving with a driver instructor certified in Ontario, you can drive on any road.
