Ottawa police traffic unit upping social media presence as stunt driving incidents rise

By Chris Kurys

The number of stunt driving charges laid in Ottawa are up 25 per cent through the first four months of 2021, compared to 2020, but there's a likelihood that residents have seen an even greater increase in speeding incidents through social media.

“I think we're doing a better job on social media and promoting the fact that we're out there doing our job,” said Sgt. Eddy Yeoumans. 

The Ottawa Police Service has issued 178 stunt driving offences so far this year, compared to 143 as of mid-May last year.

Sgt. Yeoumans tells CityNews there are a number of lead-footed drivers who take to four-lane streets with nothing but open road ahead, but when they get pulled over, it's tough for bystanders or passersby to know what happened.

“They just see a vehicle stopped,” he explained. The traffic unit wants to show “these are serious consequences.”

By continuously posting images and stories of local reckless drivers, the sergeant explains that Facebook, Twitter and Instagram become educational tools, where the public is able to ask questions and the unit can help keep them informed.

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