ATIKOKAN — An area man is facing charges after allegedly driving a commercial vehicle that "looked like the wheels were about to fall off."
According to a release from provincial police, they were alerted by the public of a commercial motor vehicle driving on Highway 11 towards Atikokan that was reportedly throwing sparks across the highway.
Police said officers located a fully loaded pulp (log) tractor trailer with two damaged trailer tires, and an air brake chamber with a disconnected air line to the spring brake side of the chamber.
"On top of these damaged components, the driver had not only noticed the major defects, but then proceeded to clamp the airline with vice grips in order to continue on without leaking too much air from the tank posing an extreme risk to the motoring public," said the police statement.
A 76-year-old Fort Frances man was charged with improper brakes on a commercial motor vehicle and driving with a major defect.
A trucking business from Emo was also charged with failing to ensure performance standards are met.
The trailer was removed from service until the repairs could be made roadside, said police.
The OPP said they would like to remind commercial vehicle drivers that proper inspections, repairs and maintenance of equipment is vital to ensure the safety of roads in Northwestern Ontario.
