A Hamilton motorist is blaming a graphic banner hung over a Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway overpass by a anti-abortion group for causing an accident.

Christy Loftchick, 41, believed the banner of an adult hand holding an aborted fetus distracted drivers on the Linc and caused the crash just before 8 a.m. Monday.

She would like the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform, which has been running a campaign in the Hamilton area for the last month, to stop before someone is seriously hurt or killed.

Loftchick said she was on her way to work in Brantford and a banner was hanging over the Mohawk Road overpass of the Linc, just before Highway 403.

"As they were approaching that, the traffic slowed, and the gal behind me … slammed right into the back of me," she said. "The airbag hit her. She was a mess."

Hamilton police said a woman was charged with careless driving and taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Police say the protesters are not breaking any laws.

"As distracting as the signage may be it is the responsibility of all motorists to pay attention to the road as there are many potential distractions while driving," said Constable Debbie McGreal-Dinning.

Loftchick said she drove over to speak to the protesters about the banner and the threat it posed. She said a woman pointed a video camera at her and another told her drivers have to take responsibility for their actions. A spokesperson for group could not be reached for comment.

- Anti-abortion banners on Linc are legal

- Don't endanger my son with your protest