Truck driver training, highway safety concerns in northwestern Ontario rev up ahead of election
Every time Travis McDougall climbs into his transport truck, he can’t help but wonder if he’ll make it back home safely. The issue of highway safety, especially in northwestern Ontario, has been weighing heavily on his mind. This concern led him to co-found Truckers for Safer Highways with fellow driver Jeff Orr in 2023.
In this region, the highways are narrow, surrounded by trees, rocks, and water, leaving little room for error behind the wheel. McDougall, who resides in Ayr but travels across Canada, emphasized the impact of these accidents on the local community and economy. Last year alone, there were 21 fatal collisions in the area, resulting in 25 deaths and 213 injuries, with 13 involving tractor-trailers.
Advocates and local leaders are urging the provincial government to implement changes to improve highway safety. With the upcoming election, the urgency of this issue is even more pronounced. McDougall stressed the importance of consequences for reckless driving and the need for greater enforcement on the roads.
One of the key concerns highlighted by McDougall is the licensing process for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers in Ontario. These drivers undergo training at private truck driving schools and testing through DriveTest, operated by Serco. A recent investigation by CBC’s Marketplace exposed issues such as bribery and forged documents within this system.
Truckers for Safer Highways is advocating for a public inquiry into Serco and the contract it holds with the province. Mayor Suzanne Kukko of Nipigon echoed these sentiments, calling for CMV testing to be conducted by Ministry of Transportation (MTO) officials rather than private companies for greater objectivity.
Furthermore, the region’s challenging weather conditions add another layer of complexity. Kukko emphasized the need for flexibility in road maintenance rules, especially when it comes to the use of road salt by plow operators. Wendy Landry, co-chair of the Northern Ontario Transportation Task Force, highlighted recommendations to enhance highway safety, including the implementation of 2+1 highways and improved CMV training.
As the election approaches, candidates in Thunder Bay—Superior North and Thunder Bay—Atikokan have been asked about their plans to address highway safety. McDougall hopes that regardless of the election outcome, the next government will prioritize highway safety by ensuring proper training for drivers, rigorous enforcement on the roads, and swift emergency response to accidents.
The mission of Truckers for Safer Highways is clear: to make the roads safer for everyone who travels them. With determination and advocacy, McDougall and his team are committed to driving positive change in the realm of highway safety.
