Source: OPP
A driver has been charged after police say a dog inside the vehicle caused a distraction that led to a crash in Huron East.
Huron County OPP and Huron County Paramedics responded to the single-vehicle collision on Kippen Road shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday, October 4th.
Police say an SUV left the roadway and hit a tree stump. The impact caused the airbags to deploy and heavily damaged the vehicle, leaving it unable to be driven.
The 66-year-old driver from St. Thomas suffered minor injuries and was treated by paramedics at the scene.
During the investigation, police learned that a dog inside the SUV had jumped into the front seat and distracted the driver. The driver then lost control, left the roadway and hit the tree.
The driver has been charged with careless driving under the Highway Traffic Act.
Police are reminding people who travel with pets to make sure animals are safely secured and cannot distract the driver or block their view.
They recommend using a pet seatbelt harness or a vehicle pet barrier. Police say properly securing animals can help protect the driver, passengers and the animal in the event of a crash.
