Four transport truck drivers charged in northern Ont. collisions on Hwy. 11

Bad weather and bad driving contributed to multiple collisions on Highway 11 on Wednesday, leading to charges for several commercial motor vehicle drivers.

The highway was also closed for several hours as Ontario Provincial Police dealt with the crashes, charging four drivers in the process.

The first occurred around 9:30 a.m. as James Bay OPP was controlling traffic on Highway 11 in Driftwood while a vehicle was being towed out of a ditch.

"During this operation, a stationary CMV was struck from behind by another CMV," the OPP said in a news release Thursday.

"The driver, a 20-year-old from Saskatoon, was charged with careless driving causing bodily harm. The passenger in that vehicle sustained a serious, non-life-threatening injury and was transported to hospital by ambulance."

About an hour later, police responded to a collision involving six CMVs about 120 kilometres west of Hearst.

"Three drivers were charged with careless driving," police said, including a 31-year-old from Cambridge, a 30-year-old from Brampton and a 29-year-old, also from Brampton.

"Highway 11 was cleared in both locations by 4 p.m., but weather and road conditions remain challenging across the James Bay area," police said.

"The OPP urges all drivers, particularly those operating large vehicles, to exercise extreme caution in winter conditions."

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Recommended actions include reduced speed, increased following distances, and avoiding sudden manoeuvres when snow or ice is present on roadways.

Drivers should also stay informed of road and weather conditions and only travel when necessary.

"The OPP remains committed to ensuring the safety of all road users and will continue enforcing traffic laws to reduce the risk of collisions," police said.