Driver’s Attempt to Aid Turtle Results in Three-Vehicle Crash on Highway 400
Newmarket, Ontario – May 11, 2023
A driver’s well-intentioned attempt to assist a turtle crossing Highway 400 in Newmarket resulted in a three-vehicle collision that sent two people to hospital. The incident occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10. According to police, a driver was traveling southbound on the highway when they noticed a turtle crossing the road. “The driver then swerved to avoid the turtle and struck a guardrail,” said OPP Constable Richard Williamson. “Their vehicle then spun out into the middle lane and was hit by another southbound vehicle.” A third vehicle, which was traveling behind the second vehicle, was unable to avoid the collision and also rear-ended the second vehicle. The driver of the first vehicle, a 52-year-old woman from Newmarket, and the driver of the third vehicle, a 24-year-old man from Toronto, were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the second vehicle was not injured. The turtle involved in the incident survived the ordeal and was later released unharmed. “We understand that people want to help animals, but it’s important to remember that it’s not safe to swerve or brake suddenly on a highway,” said Const. Williamson. “If you see an animal on the road, slow down and proceed with caution.” The collision caused significant traffic delays on Highway 400 for several hours. The road was eventually cleared and reopened to traffic by 9:30 p.m. OPP are reminding drivers to be aware of their surroundings and to drive in a safe and responsible manner.
Driver Trying to Help Turtle Causes Three-Vehicle Crash on Highway
400
A driver’s attempt to assist a turtle crossing a busy highway in Georgia resulted in a three-vehicle collision on Thursday, May 11, 2023. According to the Georgia State Patrol, the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Interstate 285 near the Mount Zion Road exit in Fulton County. The driver of a Hyundai Elantra witnessed a turtle crossing the highway and swerved to avoid it. The Elantra then collided with a Nissan Altima traveling in the same direction. The impact caused the Elantra to spin out into the median, while the Altima came to a stop on the shoulder. A third vehicle, a Jeep Wrangler, was unable to avoid the Elantra in the median and collided with it. The Wrangler then overturned, landing on its roof. The driver of the Elantra, a 25-year-old woman, was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The drivers of the Altima and Wrangler, both men in their 30s, were not injured. The turtle was also unharmed and was released back into the wild. The Georgia Department of Transportation closed two lanes of the highway while crews worked to clear the scene. The lanes were reopened around 9:30 p.m. The incident serves as a reminder to motorists to be cautious when encountering wildlife on the road and to avoid swerving abruptly, which can lead to accidents.