Ottawa police see rise in stunt driving; repeat offenders doubling speed limits

Ottawa Police Service (OPS) have surpassed the number of stunt driving charges laid this year than they did in July 2023.

A post from the force’s Traffic Escort and Enforcement Unit says officers have laid more than 230 stunt driving charges as of July 19. This, according to police, is an increase from July 2023.

Craig Roberts, district traffic manager for OPS, told CityNews in an interview, that people often think of the stereotypes when they hear of stunt driving.

“We’re seeing men and women, young and old, in every variation of vehicle that’s on the road who are being stopped for stunt driving,” he said.

A stunt driving charge is automatically handed out for vehicles travelling more than 50 km/h over the posted speed limit, however, it can also encompass things like street racing, passing illegally and driving with a person in the trunk.

OPS try to tackle the issue in two ways, the first is through officers being present on roadways and catching speeders, and the second is from residents.

Roberts said a lot of times traffic complaints are generated from citizens who encounter an aggressive driver in their neighbourhood.

One example is a cyclist noticing a car speed past them too closely or a pedestrian taking down the licence plate of a truck that blew through a stop sign.

The OPS traffic division receives roughly 5,000 requests over any given year, according to Roberts.

“It allows us to also identify problematic areas within the city,” he said. 

Some of those areas include major traffic arteries like Woodroffe Avenue, Fernbank Road and Greenbank Road.

Barrhaven, according to Roberts, is one community in Ottawa that draws the younger generation of “vehicle enthusiasts.”

“What happens is getting to and from the location becomes problematic for the community because they hear the mufflers and the racing, and then the adrenaline of the participants or those that want to be there or get there fast,” he said.

In the east, Innes Road, Anderson Road and Highway 174 to the split in Rockland are areas where police often catch speeders.

OPS is focused on reducing speeds along the highway due to the LRT construction.

“Along the 174, for example, it drops down to 80, as opposed to the 100 that is traditionally known for,” Roberts said. “Some of the exorbitant speeds that we are seeing there every single day —  would blow your mind —  people doing 171 km/h or 180 km/h.”

Those charged with stunt driving face a 30-day licence suspension, 14-day vehicle impound and a $2,000 fine if convicted.

In a post on X, the traffic enforcement unit asked its followers if they believe the penalties for stunt driving are “an effective deterrent.” The majority of people (76.5 per cent) of the 268 respondents believe the penalties should be increased.

For Roberts, he believes there are two answers to the question.

“Average people, and with a mortgage or rent, I think for most folks, it’s it is a sufficient sort of a shock to the system,” he said. 

However, police are seeing repeat offenders continue to stunt drive in Ottawa. Roberts believes the legislation is “due for a review.”

“Some drivers, it’s their second time, or sometimes it’s not 50 over by mistake, it is 100 over or 75 over or it’s in a residential area, completely inappropriate driving,” he said.

When Roberts sees those sort of drivers, he is more inclined to believe penalties should be stiffer.

“If you’re X amount over, it should go straight to an absolute forfeiture of the vehicle,” he said as an example.