A 79-year-old driver died after potentially suffering a medical episode prior to a multi-vehicle collision in Whitby on Friday. Durham police officers responded to a three-vehicle collision on Rossland Road and Garden Street at around 12:40 p.m. The driver, a 79-year-old man, was given emergency medical treatment at the scene and then transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. It is not clear if the occupants in the other vehicles were injured. Investigators believe the driver may have suffered a medical episode that led to the collision.
The roadway was closed for several hours while evidence was collected, but has since reopened. Anyone with information or dash cam video of the collision is asked to contact the Traffic Services Branch at 905-579-1520 ext. 5256, or Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the collision. Medical episodes while driving can be dangerous and it is important for drivers to be aware of their health conditions before getting behind the wheel.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and the potential risks involved with medical conditions while operating a vehicle. It is crucial for drivers to be aware of their health status and seek medical attention if necessary to prevent accidents like this from happening. The closure of the roadway for several hours disrupted traffic flow and caused inconvenience to commuters in the area during the investigation.
The collaboration between law enforcement and the community, through the sharing of information and dash cam footage, is essential in determining the cause of the collision and improving road safety measures. The impact of this incident on the families and loved ones of those involved is significant and highlights the need for increased awareness and education on safe driving practices. The authorities are working diligently to gather evidence and information to piece together the events leading up to the collision and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
