" I posted this story, or a version of it, in French and got some requests for English so ... here it is -- tragic: jcm"
Milton man, 39, charged in Hwy. 401 racing fatality
By AMY CHUNG, SUN MEDIA |
 Firefighters examine the wreckage of a Yukon SUV whose driver was killed in an apparent road-rage incident yesterday on Hwy. 401 near James Snow Parkway. (David Ritchie) |
Police are blaming road rage for a horrific traffic mishap that claimed the life of a Milton man and shut down the eastbound lanes of Hwy. 401 at James Snow Pkwy. yesterday morning.
OPP responded at 5:15 a.m. to reports that a black Yukon SUV and maroon-coloured Pontiac Grand Am or Grand Prix sedan were racing at high speeds, passing each other on the eastbound lanes, near James Snow.
"One car tried to merge with the other one and that started the road rage," said Sgt. Dennis Mahoney-Bruer.
"The (Pontiac) came in front of the SUV and jammed on the brakes, causing the SUV to swerve, hitting the guardrail."
According to witnesses, the driver of the SUV was ejected from his vehicle when it rolled over. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
NOT WEARING SEATBELT
The 55-year-old Milton man, whose name was not immediately released, wasn't wearing a seatbelt.
The Pontiac sped off but investigators later arrested a 39-year-old man, thanks in part to tips from the public.
Wayne Winsor, of Milton, is charged with criminal negligence causing death, dangerous driving causing death and failing to remain.
The accused is in custody pending a bail hearing today in Milton.
"A death like this is so unnecessary," Sgt. Cam Woolley said. "Drivers need to protect themselves. If somebody cuts you off, don't try to get even on the road. Stay calm and call police."
In a case where a motorist is cut off, Young Drivers of Canada insisted defensive driving is key.
"Always check the rear-view mirror. Activate the ABS and place your foot hard on the brake and don't steer at all -- go in a straight line -- no sideway motions," said Angelo DiCicco, general manager and instructor at Young Drivers in the GTA.
OVERREACT, SWERVE
"If you do hit the car in front of you, do it perpendicularly ...
"That's what your bumpers are designed for -- to absorb the impact."
DiCicco added drivers overreact and swerve without breaking properly. "Most people look at the problem versus the space available to them. Glance through the centre of available space and do hand-over-hand steering. Carry the car into the space," he said.
The crash closed off the eastbound lanes of the 401 at James Snow until 11 a.m.
Anyone with information on the accident is asked to contact the OPP's Port Credit detachment at 905-278-6131 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
1 comment:
You can brake faster without activating the ABS. Brake as hard as you can without activating the ABS and you'll stop faster. Basically the same as "threshold" braking.
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