A log truck driver and his company were issued charges after members of the public called police to report dangerous equipment traveling on an Ontario roadway.

According to a May 15 statement from Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) – North West Region, police received calls from members of the public concerned about a commercial vehicle traveling north on Highway 11 towards Atikokan.

Callers told police that it “looked like the wheels were about to fall off and that it was throwing sparks across the highway.”

Officers tracked down the fully loaded log truck and found “two damaged trailer tires, and an air brake chamber with a disconnected air line to the spring brake side of the chamber.”

“On top of these damaged components, the driver had not only noticed the major defects, but then proceeded to clamp the airline with vice grips in order to continue on without leaking too much air from the tank posing an extreme risk to the motoring public,” OPP said.

The trailer was taken out-of-service until repairs were completed roadside.

The truck driver, a 76 year old from Fort Frances, was charged with improper brakes on a commercial motor vehicle, and driving with a major defect.

The trucking company from Emo, Ontario, was charged with failing to ensure performance standards are met.

“The Ontario Provincial Police would like to remind commercial vehicle drivers that proper inspections, repairs and maintenance of equipment is vital to ensure the safety of our roads in North Western Ontario,” OPP said.