Driver, 18, charged after Hwy. 401 crash involving Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Incident details

An 18-year-old is facing charges after colliding with a vehicle containing Ontario Premier Doug Ford in Pickering.

• Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said the incident took place in the westbound lanes of Highway 401 near Brock Road around 12:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 8.
• Ford was travelling from an event at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station.
• The 18-year-old driver from Oshawa and their passenger were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
• Ford and the members of the OPP Protective Services Section operating the other vehicle didn’t sustain any injuries.
• “I’m okay, this head is like limestone. It’s as hard as a rock,” Ford told reporters at Queen’s Park following the incident.

WATCH: OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt provided an update on the crash involving the province’s premier on X (formerly Twitter).

Driver charged with dangerous driving in collision involving Ontario Premier Doug Ford. (captions)^ks pic.twitter.com/KXcv7yuX0H

— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) January 9, 2025

Investigation updates

OPP have charged the 18-year-old with dangerous driving — contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada.

The individual is set to appear before a judge on Feb. 20.

Anyone with information on the incident, including cellphone or dashcam footage, is asked to contact the OPP.

SEE ALSO
• 1 dead, 3 hurt after single-vehicle crash north of Hwy. 407 in Pickering
• Pickering one of the ‘most challenging’ cities for Ontario drivers in 2024: Study
• The latest Toronto and GTHA car accidents

Legal resources

Incidents like this highlight the importance of understanding your rights in the event that you’re injured during a motor vehicle collision in Ontario.

For those seeking more information and legal guidance, the dedicated Pickering car accident lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP are here to support you.

We understand the overwhelming challenges you face after an accident and are committed to fighting for your rights.

Our compassionate and experienced personal injury lawyers offer free consultations to guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. Your recovery is our priority.