VIDEO: Car smashes into snowplow on highway in Toronto

A driver on Highway 407 near Martin Grove Road in Etobicoke attempted to pass a conga line of snow plows on the left shoulder Tuesday morning.

The vehicle slammed into the wall and one of the plow blades before spinning out, “shutting down plowing operations” and earning widespread condemnation on social media.

The OPP Highway Safety Division, which did not say what charges are being laid against the driver, was diplomatic in its post, with the video evidence telling the story.

“Drive responsibly and be prepared for changing road and weather conditions,” the post on X (formerly Twitter) said. “This driver was unable to adjust their driving and collided into the wall shutting down plowing operations.”

Reaction from dozens of posters on the thread was less kind.

• “Unbelievable, I hope police took his license away.”
• “Karma, says me, the retired plow operator.”
• “I just got my G1 and am driving better than that. How do these people have clearance to operate two-ton vehicles at 10+km/h?”
• “Shocking for the snow plow operator. Absurdly frustrating for the other drivers.”
• “Isn’t it demerit points for passing the flashing blue lights of snowplows?”
• “Some clowns should not be allowed to drive.”
• “They were most likely thinking that they are invincible and can drive through this no problem. Take their license away. Please.”
• “I hope he lost his license. If he’s this much of a menace on snowy roads, you just know he’s worse on good, clear roads.”

The fine for trying to overtake a snow plow is $325.

Drive responsibly and be prepared for changing road and weather conditions. #OnStorm
This driver was unable to adjust their driving and collided into the wall shutting down plowing operations. #Hwy407OPP ^ks pic.twitter.com/GIthbc8aBJ

— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) January 16, 2024