A Simcoe County man is facing a charge of careless driving causing death after the death of a transport driver in a horrific crash at the corner of Petrolia Line and Kimball Sideroad.

On May 4, a gravel truck and an SUV collided at the corner , killing the driver of the transport, John George, 66, of Glencoe, and severely injuring the driver of the SUV.

Peter Morrow, 59, of Bradford West Gwillimbury, has been charged with careless driving causing death. 

The accident led to calls for Lambton County to put a round about in the corner which has been the site of many deaths over the years.

Jolene DeGurse-MacDonald said at the time that over the years there have been safety improvements at the corner. In the 1970s, her mother, who still lives at the corner, convinced the local government to install an amber light, a larger stop sign and lower the speed limit to 70 km/h on Petrolia Line. In the 1990’s, rumble strips were added, she says.

“The accidents continued. The fatalities mounted.”

DeGurse-MacDonald says she has talked with county road officials in the past who say the intersection has not been a priority in the past.

Her concerns prompted Lambton County officials to study what could be done at the intersection. A four-way flashing light has been installed at the corner since then.