Motorcyclist injured in accident, charges filed

On Thursday, May 30, 2024, at approximately 11:45 a.m., Stratford Police received a report of a serious traffic collision at the intersection of Downie Street and St. Patrick Street in the Town of Stratford involving a silver Buick and a blue Yamaha motorcycle.

The 18-year-old motorcyclist was taken to hospital with serious injuries sustained in the accident. Ornge was initially asked to transport the 18-year-old to London for treatment, but when he arrived at Stratford General Hospital, Ornge’s transport was cancelled and he remained in Stratford to receive treatment for his injuries.

The 81-year-old driver suffered no injuries in the collision and did not require medical attention.

The intersection and surrounding area were closed for several hours to allow the Stratford Police Service Accident Reconstruction Team to investigate the incident.

As a result of the investigation, the driver of the motorcycle was charged with careless driving, driving without insurance and driving without a number plate under the Road Traffic Act. The driver of the motorcycle was found to be travelling southbound on Downie Street at a high rate of speed. The driver overtook a vehicle north of St. Patrick Street and entered the northbound lane of Downie Street. At this point, the 81-year-old driver of the car crossed Downie Street and headed east from St. Patrick Street to Douro Street. The driver of the motorcycle struck the rear driver’s door of the Buick in the northbound lane and was ejected from the motorcycle.

The investigation into this case has now been concluded and the intersection has been reopened. Stratford Police Service would like to thank all witnesses and anyone who assisted with the investigation.