Driver and company charged after officers spot tractor trailer missing full set of tires

A truck driver and trucking company were charged earlier this month after an officer spotted the rig driving while missing a full set of tires. 

The semi truck was spotted on Highway 17 just before 11 p.m. in MacNicol Township, Ontario, Canada on February 10th. 

According to CTV News, the 28-year-old truck driver missing a full set of tires on one rear axle was charged for failing to complete and record a daily inspection accurately, driving a CMV with a major defect, and operating a CMV with a wheel separation. The trucking company based in Winnipeg was also charged with operating a commercial motor vehicle with a wheel separation.

“While it may sound surprising, this is not something you want to discover while driving behind it at highway speed,” Ontario Provincial Police wrote in a Facebook post. “Each of these tire assemblies can weigh over 1,000 pounds. When they come off a commercial vehicle, they become an extremely serious hazard and can cause significant damage to property or vehicles, or result in serious injury or loss of life.”

“This incident serves as an important reminder to commercial drivers to complete thorough pre trip and en route inspections, and for all motorists to report unsafe vehicles — commercial or passenger — when something does not look right,” police said. “Highway safety is a shared responsibility. If you see something concerning, call it in. It could prevent a serious collision and save lives.”