A close call at the Voyageur Restaurant

OPP NEWS RELEASE

************************* Another close call on Highway #17 North

Sault Ste. Marie Detachment officers investigated another motor vehicle crash on Highway 17 in front of the Voyageur Restaurant at 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.

A southbound vehicle was stopped to make a left-hand turn into the Voyageur Restaurant with a second vehicle slowing to allow the turn, when a third southbound vehicle suddenly noticed the stopped car and slammed on its brakes.

The third car slid into the northbound lane.

A Suburban towing a 31-foot trailer took the ditch to avoid a head-on collision.

The trailer sustained major damage.

The highway was closed for 45 minutes and a further one hour of managed traffic control while the trailer, whose wheels were ripped off while going through the ditch, was removed from the highway.

Thanks to the quick reaction of Dave Edgcombe of Kinslay, Michigan by taking the ditch to avoid a head-on collision, a potential tragedy was avoided.

Charged with failing to share the roadway meeting a vehicle contrary to Section 148(1) of the Highway Traffic Act, was Grant Gallie, age 22, of Spruce Grove Alberta.

Drivers are reminded to constantly scan the roadway ahead in order to anticipate the need to stop their vehicles.

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