Simply put – it’s just a matter of time before an emergency services worker will be killed on Highway 401.
With the frequency of collisions happening with emergency service vehicles being struck along the highway – it’s not a question of “if” it will happen – it’s a question of when it will happen.
There will be a funeral – thousands will attend. Lining the streets of a small town or city. Emergency services will come from across Canada and likely beyond. There will be speeches about what a great person the man or woman was and how they left behind a beautiful family.
Politicians will be front and centre shouting we need to protect these people who are protecting us – but by that time it will be too late.
Only people behind the wheel, driving along Canada’s busiest highway will be able to prevent it.
And why aren’t these stories being covered by major media outlets?
Does a emergency service worker have to be killed before it becomes a story?
On Sunday, February 23, 2025 two snow plows were struck while operating on Highway 401.
Thankfully there were no major injuries to the operators of the snow plows or the drivers – but it’s only a matter of time.
The first collision happened while EMCON which is a contractor for MTO was heading eastbound on Highway 401 in the area of Deere Park Road in the Municipality of Port Hope.
While operating on the highway, a vehicle slammed into the rear of truck. There were no serious injuries, but the vehicle had major damage.
The second incident happened westbound, just west of Wooler Road in Quinte West at approximately 9:30 a.m.
A westbound snowplow which was using a tow-plow was struck by a transport truck. There was damage to the tow-plow and the snow plow. The transport ended up in the ditch. Again, thankfully there were no injuries.
Previously on February 3 a Cobourg fire truck was struck on Highway 401 just west of Cobourg. The firetruck was acting as a blocker for other emergency services at the scene of a car that went in the ditch.
One firefighter was taken to hospital and is still recovering from his injuries from the collision. The driver of the transport failed to remain at the collision, but was charged a day later and is facing six Highway Traffic Act charges.
On February 16 a Alnwick/Haldimand Township firetruck was struck. The westbound lanes were closed at the time and a transport drove along the paved median shoulder and collided with the fire truck that was blocking the highway. Again, it was acting as a blocker for emergency services who were on scene of a previous collision. The transport careened off of the fire truck and veered right going into the ditch.
Emergency services workers were in the exact area of the path of the out of control transport only moments before. Thankfully there were no injuries.
The driver of the transport is facing a Highway Traffic Act charge.
First and foremost the safety of every emergency service worker which includes police, firefighters, paramedics, snowplow operators and tow operators is of the utmost importance.
Each one is risking their lives for our safety. The last thing that should have to do is watch their back – but in these times they do.
Secondly, each emergency services vehicle that is struck that is taken out of commission means there could be a delay the next time. The MTO/EMCON only has so many plows. People complain enough as it is when the snow falls and the roads aren’t cleared. It won’t get any easier for highways to be clear if drivers keep taking out the plows.
It also means that when any collision happens, more fire apparatus, paramedics and police respond.
Which brings an even greater hazard to themselves and their vehicles.
Cobourg Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Ashfield it best when one of his firefighters were injured and a firetruck struck.
“This is probably the most dangerous place we work as firefighters is out on the highway.”
As a veteran firefighter to make that statement says a lot about the state of our roads and highways.
With all the dangers firefighters face in battling fires, who would ever think the highway would be the most dangerous.
Ashfield said that transports and other vehicles don’t slow down.
“They don’t respect the fact that emergency vehicles are out here. They have to learn to slow down and pull over.”
When one of Alnwick/Haldimand Township fire trucks were struck, Fire Chief Dave Dawson echoed Ashfield’s comments.
“It is so vitally important when our emergency workers – their lives are on the line protecting over people and responding to those that are in need. I beg you, please slow down.”
Whoever wins the election must take back control of our highways.
No one ever complained that driving along the highway was too slow, yet in certain areas of the province, including areas of Northumberland County, the speed limit of Highway 401 was increased to 110 kph – why?
Something has to be done immediately – any delay could mean planning for a funeral.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
