Driver with two children in the vehicle stopped by OPP for stunt driving

Police patrolling the highways in Ottawa continue to see drivers speeding well above the limit on Highway 416 and Highway 417.

As Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have seen an increase in stunt driving charges in the first six months of 2024, two more drivers have been pulled over, one of which had two children in the back.

Police stopped a driver, late to a golf lesson, with two child seat aged children in the vehicle — driving 60 km/h over the speed limit on Highway 416.

Penalties included a 30-day driver’s license suspension, a 14-day vehicle impound and a court date, officials said on X.

The OPP then stopped a G2 driver on their way home from work, driving 59 km/h over the speed limit on Highway 416.

Police issued a 30-day driver’s license suspension and a 14-day vehicle impound.

The driver will add a minimum of six demerit points and a one-year driving prohibition upon conviction. This means the offender cannot drive a motor vehicle anywhere in Canada, if found guilty by the court.

Only six months into the year, and police have nearly laid the same number of stunt driving charges in Ottawa as they did in the entire year of 2023.

According to OPP, 2023 data shows officers laid 92 stunt charges. As of June 12, 2024, police told CityNews Ottawa there have been 81 stunt charges handed out.

Based on the province’s website, stunt driving is defined as:

• Driving 40 kilometres per hour or more over the speed limit on roads with a speed limit less than 80 kilometres per hour
• Driving 50 kilometres per hour or more over the speed limit
• Driving in a way that prevents other vehicles from passing
• Intentionally cutting off another vehicle
• Intentionally driving too close to another vehicle, pedestrian or fixed object

“Drivers caught driving 150 kilometres per hour or more are subject to stunt driving charges,” wrote Ontario on their website. “This applies anywhere in the province, including sections of freeways with limits of 110 kilometres per hour.”

Police are calling on drivers to slow down and drive safe, in efforts to save lives and reduce injuries on Ontario roads.