‘Ottawa’ Ottawa Tow Truck Driver Charged for Allegedly Racing Behind Firefighters to Crash
An Ottawa tow truck driver was charged with stunt driving after police say he raced to the scene of a motor vehicle collision in Orleans last Friday tailing a responding emergency vehicle.
Police said that on Friday, May 27 at about 5:30 p.m. a tow truck was seen travelling at high speed southbound on Tenth Line, and that it nearly collided with an Ottawa Fire Services vehicle responding to a collision.
The tow truck then tailed the fire truck as it used its sirens to travel through dense traffic, police say.
Police said the manoeuvre created a dangerous situation, as the tow truck was hidden from the view of other drivers who had pulled over to allow the firefighter vehicle to pass. Those drivers would not have expected the truck to be there when they attempted to merge back into traffic, police said.
A 36-year-old Ottawa man was charged with racing a vehicle, following too close and failing to surrender his licence.
His driver’s licence was suspended for seven days and his tow truck was impounded for seven days, police said.
Police say they want to remind the public that:
- A tow truck cannot come within 100 metres of a collision scene.
- It is illegal for the operator of a tow truck to solicit business at a collision scene.
- As the owner (or legally responsible person) for a vehicle at a collision scene, you have the right to choose the towing service of your choice.
- You should contact the number on the back of your insurance card to confirm authorization to tow your vehicle.