Video shows wrong-way driver on Highway 401 before crash and arrest, OPP say

OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt says police are ‘considering impaired driving’ as a possible reason why a driver was speeding in the wrong direction on Highway 401.

The Ontario Provincial Police have released dashcam footage showing a driver going the wrong way on Highway 401 in Milton before narrowly missing a vehicle, crashing into a light pole and fleeing on foot.

In the video, shared to social media, police say the incident happened at around 6 p.m. on Sept. 7, near James Snow Parkway. The video shows a vehicle travelling eastbound in the westbound lanes, narrowly avoiding oncoming traffic.

“This shocking video could have easily resulted in a fatal collision,” OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said.

According to police, the 21-year-old Toronto driver sideswiped several vehicles before crashing into a light standard. He allegedly fled the scene on foot but was arrested a short time later by Mississauga OPP.

The man is now facing charges of dangerous driving, failing to remain at the scene, and driving the wrong way on a divided highway. Police also say they are investigating his state of sobriety during the incident.

Officials did not release the name of the accused.

No injuries were reported but officials are urging drivers to call 911 immediately if they see dangerous driving on the roads.