To all those who are concerned about our major highways (11/17 included) regarding safety,
I wish to express the stupidity of some transport drivers that are driving on our major roads on a daily basis (this is factual as you probably hear through the media at least several incidents per week occurring no matter if it is summer or winter).
In my past letters to the media, I have mentioned to my family that there may be a time when we will be involved in a transport incident while travelling Hwy 11/17, well that day came on Nov.09th/2024 while coming back from Thunder Bay and heading to my home town of Timmins.
The chain of "close calls " occurred from Nipigon – Beardmore/Longlac they are as follows:
- Transport " jack knifed" on a major road going into Nipigon, blocking traffic.
- Transport coming within 10' from the back of my pickup truck while going down a hill( near Rocky Bay)
- Bison Transport weaving all over the highway
- Transport passing me on a curve
- Transport passed a personal vehicle in front of me on the hill entering Beardmore( speed limit 70km/hr)while (3) other transports were leaving Beardmore and coming up the hill forcing the person in front of me to hit the shoulder and I as well . Consequences could have been: (4) transports blocking this major highway( no other by - pass route), (2) personal vehicles in the ditch with possible fatalities( me included).
- Transport east of Longlac crossing the centerline while talking on his phone or watching a movie, forcing me to pull onto the shoulder.
So, this is what happened on Nov.09th/2024 . I am thankful that my safety skills came into effect thus preventing me from leaving this world on that day .
As I travel this highway on a regular basis (3 times per year), I will always remember each spot for as long as I live.
I am sure that those who read this letter understand my thoughts and hope that something can be done so that these " close calls" do not occur.
Market Place aired a broadcast on the CBC on Oct.11/2024 pertaining to transport training centers, licensing practices and unskilled drivers , which after viewing the telecast was not a surprise. The facts and findings speak for themselves and how some politicians( not all)were not interested on commenting (Minister of Transportation included) on the situation at large.
It was mentioned that drivers are unskilled, have poor operating practices , neglected maintenance schedules and have no respect for driver etiquette for road sharing. It was mentioned by our present Government that "goods" need to be transported and that "our roads" are the safest in Canada?
Licensing and permit approvals are being "okayed" by the Government yet, it is totally absurd. Inspection stations (which cost millions of dollars to build and operate)are frequently closed due to low staff enrolment.
Please k eep in mind that the O.P.P. are doing their very best to catch unskilled drivers but sooner or later officers are going to voice their concerns and say "enough is enough".
As a Health and Safety professional, it would be in my "glory" to inspect CMV's and put an end to those "close calls and near misses" thus making our roads safe again.
One must think about this thought; If a politician were to lose one of their family members due to an incident with a CMV, I guarantee you that action would be taken without question or hesitation.
These " missiles" need to be dismantled before releasing its power!
Gary Kader - Timmins
Health/Safety Training Consultant
