Wobbly wheel leads to charges for transport driver on Hwy. 11 in northern Ont.

A traffic complaint of a loose truck wheel on Highway 11 east of Hearst, Ont., resulted in charges for the commercial vehicle driver. (OPP photo)

A traffic complaint of a loose truck wheel on Highway 11 east of Hearst, Ont., resulted in charges for the commercial vehicle driver.

The incident took place around 4:30 pm. Jan. 26 in Opasatika, James Bay Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release Wednesday.

“Police responded to a report of a commercial motor vehicle travelling with a rear wheel wobbling dangerously, appearing on the verge of detaching,” the release said.

“Officers located the vehicle pulled over on the shoulder of Highway 11 in Reesor Siding. An inspection revealed severe blackening and misalignment at the rear of the trailer, and one of the trailer’s wheels had only half of its lug nuts still attached.”

The 24-year-old driver from Winnipeg has been charged with driving an unsafe vehicle, driving a commercial motor vehicle with a major defect and facility to accurately complete the daily inspection report.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on March 18 in Hearst.

The OPP reminds all commercial vehicle operators to conduct thorough daily inspections and promptly address any safety defects.

Incidents involving wheel detachment or vehicle defects pose serious risks to all road users. Members of the public are encouraged to report unsafe vehicles or hazardous driving behavior to the OPP by calling 1-888-310-1122 or in

emergencies 911.