A Bayfield man is facing charges and a hefty fine after nearly striking an Ontario Provincial Police officer during a traffic stop south of Goderich on Friday morning.
The Huron County OPP officer was outside his fully marked cruiser on Highway 21, conducting a traffic stop with emergency lights flashing as part of Operation Safe Haul, when an oncoming vehicle attempted to pass another car and narrowly missed hitting him. Officers tracked down the driver and pulled him over shortly after the incident.
The 40-year-old driver was charged under the Highway Traffic Act for failing to slow down and proceed with caution for an emergency vehicle. The infraction comes with a $490 fine and three demerit points.
Police are using the close call as a stark reminder for all motorists that Ontario law requires drivers to slow down and move over whenever approaching stopped emergency vehicles or tow trucks with flashing lights, emphasizing that failing to do so puts both first responders and the public in serious danger.
