A drunk driver escaped a fiery crash Wednesday with minor injuries after his vehicle rear-ended a farm trailer and caught fire on Highway 3.
The accident occurred around 1:45 p.m. between Walker Road and County Road 34. According to the driver of the farm tractor who was transporting three wagons of grain, he saw no reason that the vehicle should have slammed into the back of his trailers. He stated that traffic was light at the time and the driver of the SUV could have easily gone around him.
Ontario Provincial Police noted that the SUV driver appeared drunk after the accident and was arrested for impaired driving.
The crash happened just a couple of hours after provincial transportation minister Steven Del Duca told a Windsor crowd that the dangerous highway was a top priority for his government.
The notoriously deadly stretch of Highway 3 between Essex and Leamington has been the site of numerous fatal accidents in recent years, renewing calls from locals for the long-promised expansion of the highway to be completed.
In his speech on Wednesday, Del Duca did not make any commitments to improve the highway, but he did note that the province has just completed a study to update design recommendations for the road.
A 30-day public review of the study, titled the Transportation Environmental Study Report Addendum, began Thursday. Del Duca stated that once the review is completed, the next step will be to get environmental clearance before any recommendations can be “considered” for funding.
Del Duca noted that he has heard the outcry from local residents, officials, businesses, media and others and has stated that improving safety on the highway is important.
The Windsor car accident lawyers at Greg Monforton & Partners have represented many Highway 3 victims and their families over the years. We know firsthand the devastation that often results from these accidents, and we are committed fighting for the rights of accident victims and helping ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
If you or someone you loved has been involved in an accident, do not hesitate to contact Greg Monforton & Partners for a free, no obligation consultation to review your legal options.
Call (866) 320-4770 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form.