Rideshare driver facing charges after morning collision on Highway 417

An Ontario Provincial Police crest is pictured on an officer's uniform. (Supplied)

Ontario Provincial Police say a rideshare driver is facing charges after a collision on Highway 417 Wednesday morning.

It happened at around 6:45 a.m. in the westbound lanes near Nicholas Street. Several lanes of the highway were closed, causing significant delays during the morning commute.

OPP say three vehicles were involved in the crash. One of the drivers, who was operating a rideshare and had a passenger at the time, was suspected of consuming alcohol. Police said he was given a roadside test and was later transported to the detachment for further testing, where he is alleged to have registered nearly three times the legal limit.

His passenger was taken to hospital with minor injuries following the crash, OPP said.

The driver is facing charges of impaired driving and dangerous driving. He received a 90-day licence suspension, and his vehicle has been impounded for seven days.

The OPP says it has seen a slight increase in the number of impaired drivers on provincial roads in eastern Ontario this year.

A news release Wednesday said 327 drivers have been charged with impaired driving so far in 2025, compared to 319 at this time in 2024.

“We know impaired driving can be deadly. We encourage every driver to consider the potential impact of their actions on their own lives and the lives of everyone else on the road. Never drive impaired,” said Chief Superintendent Lisa Wilhelm, OPP East Region Commander.

Police say if you suspect someone is driving impaired or see someone driving dangerously and putting lives at risk, call 9-1-1.