A man from Nova Scotia has been given a 4½-year prison sentence for causing a fatal crash by T-boning another vehicle while driving at more than double the legal speed limit on a rainy evening in the fall. The sentencing decision, approved by Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Joshua Arnold, followed a joint recommendation from the prosecution and defense and was disclosed on December 22.
Tyler Strong, the offender, was also handed a five-year driving prohibition and a ten-year ban on owning firearms, both to take effect after his prison term. He had pleaded guilty to three counts of dangerous driving causing death and two counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
The incident occurred when Strong, driving a rented Volkswagen Golf, was traveling towards Amherst on Highway 2 at around 10 p.m. on October 21, 2023. Despite the posted speed limit of 70 km/h on the two-lane highway, Strong overtook a vehicle in front of him and accelerated to 168 km/h, eventually colliding with a Mitsubishi crossover attempting a left turn onto an on-ramp for Highway 104. At the time of impact, Strong was estimated to be traveling at 149 km/h.
The crash resulted in the deaths of three individuals in the Mitsubishi, with a fourth occupant sustaining severe injuries. Additionally, Strong’s girlfriend, who was in the car with him, suffered serious injuries, including a collapsed lung, bowel loss, and multiple broken ribs.
During sentencing, Judge Arnold acknowledged Strong’s troubled upbringing and the efforts he made to overcome challenges in his life. Referring to the “sad life principle,” which considers an offender’s potential for rehabilitation, Arnold noted Strong’s remorse and commitment to serving his time and reintegrating into society positively.
Details from a pre-sentence report revealed the difficult circumstances of Strong’s childhood, marked by parental substance abuse, neglect, and abuse. Despite these challenges, Strong managed to establish stability in his life through employment and a supportive relationship with his girlfriend.
The impact of the crash on the victims’ families was profound, as highlighted in emotional statements presented to the court. The devastation caused by Strong’s actions was described as irreparable, leaving lasting pain and emptiness for those affected.
In his written decision, Arnold mentioned that Strong recognizes the profound impact of his actions and expressed a desire to take responsibility, albeit acknowledging that no apology can fully alleviate the pain inflicted on the victims’ families.