OPP lay impaired, stunt driving charges after vehicle logged going 157km/h on Hwy. 17

An Ontario Provincial Police cruiser is shown driving down a highway in the winter. (File Photo/Ontario Provincial Police/Facebook)

Ontario Provincial Police have charged a 20-year-old man after responding to complaints of an aggressive driver on Highway 17 over the weekend.

OPP said officers with the Nipigon detachment were called to the highway at about 11 a.m. on Jan. 3 after receiving multiple reports about a vehicle being driven at high speed.

Excessive speed, impaired operation

“The vehicle was located and confirmed by radar to be travelling at 157 km/h in a posted 90 km/h zone,” said police in a news release Sunday.

A subsequent investigation by officers determined the driver was impaired by alcohol. The individual was taken into custody and transported to the detachment for further testing.

As a result, a driver from Geraldton, Ont., was charged with stunt driving along with three impaired driving offences – including having a blood alcohol concentration of more than 80 and novice driver with a BAC above zero.

In addition to the charges, under provincial law, the man also received a 90-day driver’s licence suspension and the vehicle involved was impounded for a minimum of 14 days.

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear in court in Nipigon on March 3.

Commitment to safety

OPP used the incident to reiterate its commitment to road safety.

“The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways,” said the provincial police force.

OPP also urged the public to report unsafe drivers.

“Members of the public are urged to report impaired driving by calling 911 in emergency situations,” said police.

Complaints of impaired, aggressive or careless driving can also be made by calling the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.