This week on Weird and Wacky Wednesdays: Load-Bearing Lunacy
This week on Weird and Wacky Wednesdays, we’re looking at drivers who redefined the term “carry-on”—but not in a good way. From absurd rooftop loads to mobile fire hazards, these stories remind us that physics and traffic laws both have limits.
Trees Dragging on Highway 91
In late April 2024, Richmond RCMP pulled over a commercial flatbed truck on Highway 91 after officers observed large trees and branches protruding—some even dragging on the road. According to Cpl. Adriana O’Malley, the load was completely unsecured, posing a serious risk to road users.
A roadside inspection revealed multiple violations under the BC Motor Vehicle Act, including:
– Insecure commercial load — $288
– Load projecting over 1.2 m past the rear without flagging — $109
– Non-compliance with trip-inspection requirements — $138
The total fine of $535 was issued to the driver, and demerit points were applied to the transport company under the National Safety Code. Cpl. O’Malley emphasized the danger of loose cargo, even at modest speeds, and urged operators to secure loads properly.
Tiles Crash into OPP Cruiser
On June 6, 2025, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a roadside stop near Moodie Drive along Highway 417 after a load of tiles shifted on a passing pickup truck. During the attempted enforcement stop, a tile piece dislodged and struck an OPP cruiser, leading officers to lay multiple charges under the Highway Traffic Act for insecure cargo.
The incident exposed a careless load setup that endangered both the driver and others. The OPP reiterated that even seemingly light materials like tiles must be properly restrained to prevent hazardous debris from entering traffic—especially at highway speeds.
Teen Charged Twice for Unsafe Container Haul
In April 2025, a 19-year-old from Acton, Ontario, was pulled over by Wellington OPP near the Cambridge ONroute after hauling a shipping container on a flatbed trailer. Officers cited him for multiple offences, including “load not secure” and mechanical defects.
The driver ignored orders and was later spotted again with the same trailer—prompting a second stop on Townline Road. This resulted in 14 charges total, including driving a commercial vehicle with an unsafe load and breaching a police prohibition order.
Wellington OPP pointed out the juvenile’s persistent non-compliance and warned motorists against risking public safety with careless load practices.
Whether it’s tiles, trees, or a shipping container, there’s one simple rule: secure your load or prepare to pay the price. See you next week for more bizarre tales from the legal side of the road!
