Man, 73, who drove wrong way on 401 faces impaired charge

OPP have charged a 73-year-old motorist after he drove in the wrong direction on Highway 401 near St. Clair College — colliding head-on with another vehicle. The incident happened late Monday, around 11:30 p.m. Tecumseh OPP received multiple calls about the crash.

Upon investigation, officers learned that the senior-age driver had been behind the wheel of a Chevy vehicle that entered the westbound lanes of the 401 — and began travelling eastbound. The Chevy then struck a westbound Suzuki vehicle. OPP said both vehicles sustained major damage.

The driver of the Suzuki was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Despite the severity of the crash, the victim’s injuries were described by police as minor. The elderly driver of the Chevy vehicle wasn’t hurt — but attending officers reported that he showed signs of impairment. He was arrested at the scene. Antonio Braga, 73, of Kingsville faces charges of impaired driving and having blood alcohol content exceeding 80 milligrams. He is expected to appear in court in Windsor on Dec. 11.

The section of westbound Highway 401 needed to be closed while emergency responders dealt with the scene.

The roadway was reopened around 1 a.m.

The incident drew a public rebuke from Essex County OPP detachment commander Glenn Miller, who reminded the community that impaired driving has “a lifelong impact.”

“This drinking behaviour has always been unacceptable and for those who think they won’t get caught — think again,” Miller said in a statement.

“We are now entering the holiday season and while you may not see us, we will see you.”