Switching seats while driving leads to charges Ontario truckers

Charges have been laid against a pair of truck drivers from Mississauga and Caledon who switched seats while their vehicle was in motion, police say.

What started as a distracted driving related traffic stop happened around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday on Front Street in Hearst, a small town around 260 kilometres west of Timmins.

Police say officers saw the driver using a handheld device, but the male driver was witnessed switching seats with a passenger “while the vehicle was still in motion.”

Officers found the original driver hiding in the sleeper bunk of the vehicle and say an inspection revealed multiple violations related to the driver’s daily logs and inspection reports.

Police say the incident has led to charges for a 27-year-old from Caledon and a 25-year-old from Mississauga.

Gurkirat Singh, 27, of Caledon, has been charged with multiple offences, including dangerous operation, obstruct a peace officer, drive – handheld communication device, and fail to maintain daily log. The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to make a court appearance on Nov. 5.

The 25-year-old from Mississauga, who has not been publicly identified, has been charged under the Highway Traffic Act with Making a False Statement. The accused is scheduled to appear before the Provincial Offences Court in Hearst on Nov. 12.

Anyone who witnesses a suspected impaired or unsafe driver can report it to police by calling 911 when it is safe to do so. Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.