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Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Man dies after two-car collision; driver faces charges

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 09/8/2011 11:04 AM

A man has died after being hit by a teenager who was allegedly texting on his cell phone while driving.

The head-on collision happened at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday when an eastbound Toyota pickup truck driven by a 19-year-old male veered into the westbound lane of Dugald Road near Goodyear Avenue, police said.

The truck slammed into a Dodge Neon driven by a 53-year-old man. Firefighters had to cut the roof off the small sedan to get to the trapped driver, who was rushed to the Health Sciences Centre in critical condition. He later died from his injuries.

Both men were alone in their vehicles at the time of the crash.

Police say the driver indicated he swerved into the wrong lane to avoid colliding with other eastbound vehicles ahead that had stopped for construction.

"We know that distracted driving... whether it be texting or using a mobile device without a hands-free setup, is causing a lot of issues for all of us. It’s not just the individual who’s engaged in that activity, but it’s putting all members of the public at risk," said Const. Jason Michalyshen.

A 19-year-old man is facing charges of criminal negligence causing bodily harm and possession of a prohibited weapon. His name was not released. He was released from custody on a promise to appear in court.

The charges will probably be upgraded, but as of Thursday hadn’t been yet, police said.

The investigation is continuing.

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