After an “alarming” spike in speeding and stunt driving charges last weekend, heading into this weekend – and beyond – Northumberland OPP are urging motorists to “simply slow down” when behind the wheel.
Last weekend – the weekend of April 19 to 21 – nearly 50 speeding charges and five stunt driving charges were laid over that three-day period, explained Northumberland OPP Const. James Clarke, who serves as the region’s community safety/media officer.
The emphasis on the alarming reference was also that these speeding charges and stunt driving incidents were over just a three-day period – Friday to Sunday.
The 48 speeding (1 to 49 km/h over) charges and additional five stunt driving charges were laid primarily during enforcement efforts along Highway 401.
Stunt driving includes exceeding 50 km/h or more over limits – as well as 40 km/h or more over the speed limit on roads with a speed limit less than 80 km/h. It can also include driving in a way that prevents other vehicles from passing, intentionally cutting off another vehicle, et cetera.
Enforcement efforts are continuing by Northumberland OPP who are urging motorists to “simply slow down.”
More information about the consequences of speeding and aggressive driving is available online.
Recent reports by police have clocked vehicles at speeds ranging from 157 km/h on Hwy. 401 in one instance. In another more recent report by Cobourg police, a stunt driving was laid after police said they clocked a driver at 146 km/h in a 60 km/h zone.
Cobourg police also subsequently echoed a similar message to motorists to slow down and follow speed limits – and how stunt driving is not only illegal but incredibly dangerous, putting both drivers and all on the road at risk.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
