Two Durham Region paramedics are recovering after their ambulance was struck by a dump truck while responding to a collision on Highway 401 in Clarington earlier this week.
The incident occurred on January 5 in the westbound lanes near Bennett Road in Newcastle, where paramedics were assisting at the scene of a vehicle rollover. Ontario Provincial Police say a passing dump truck struck the ambulance, pushing it into a Clarington Fire vehicle that was also on scene.
The 67-year-old driver of the dump truck was charged with careless driving.
Durham Region Paramedic Services Chief Troy Cheseboro said the injured paramedics are “thankfully resting and doing well.” He urged motorists to slow down and follow the law when approaching emergency scenes.
“Region of Durham Paramedics asks residents to slow down and follow the laws regarding passing stopped emergency vehicles,” Cheseboro said.
While no firefighters were injured, the Clarington Fire vehicle sustained approximately $60,000 in damage and is expected to be out of service for about six weeks, according to Clarington Fire Chief Mariano Perini.
“This is the second Clarington fire vehicle to be struck during an emergency response in recent months,” Perini said. In October, two firefighters were injured when their truck was hit by a transport trailer while responding to another Highway 401 collision.
Perini emphasized the dangers emergency responders face while working on busy highways and called on drivers to be more attentive.
“Our staff is there to help people, but they are often put at risk by speeding vehicles and drivers who fail to move over,” he said. “People need to slow down, pay attention, and give emergency crews the space they need to do their jobs safely.”
Under Ontario’s Slow Down, Move Over Law, drivers must reduce speed and change lanes when safely possible while passing stopped emergency vehicles. Penalties for violations can include fines of up to $2,000, three demerit points, and licence suspension.
“To stand on the highway while vehicles pass at highway speeds is incredibly dangerous,” Perini added. “We’re asking motorists to take a few extra seconds so our crews can go home safely.”
Photo Credits : https://www.durhamregion.com/news/durham-paramedics-injured/article_d71aacd4-b4c8-5f50-ae6f-80775ddd2950.html
