Single OPP detachment charges 13 people with stunt driving in May

An Ontario Provincial Police vehicle with its lights flashing, accompanied by the OPP crest and the words North Bay. (File photo/Ontario Provincial Police/Facebook)

Ontario Provincial Police said officers laid 13 stunt driving charges in the North Bay area in May as part of ongoing traffic enforcement initiatives aimed at improving road safety.

“The charges stem from a range of dangerous driving behaviours, including excessive speeding, tire burnouts, and failing to remain in the driver’s seat while the vehicle is in motion,” said police in a news release.

OPP said members of its North Bay detachment conducted targeted enforcement between May 1 and May 30 on Highways 11 and 17, along with surrounding roadways in North Bay and nearby communities – including Bonfield, East Ferris, Powassan, and Papineau-Cameron Township.

13 incidents

• May 1 – Powassan: Vehicle stopped travelling 187 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Highway 11. Police said officers also issued additional charges for careless driving and cannabis-related offences.
• May 3 – Bonfield: Vehicle stopped travelling 118 km/h in a 70 km/h zone on Highway 17.
• May 9 – Bonfield: Vehicle stopped travelling 112 km/h in a 70 km/h zone on Highway 17.
• May 15 – Powassan: Vehicle stopped travelling 169 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Highway 11.
• May 17 – Papineau-Cameron Township: Driver charged after performing a tire burnout. Police said this incident also involved an impaired driving investigation.
• May 19 – Powassan: Vehicle stopped travelling 156 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Highway 11.
• May 19 – North Bay: Vehicle stopped travelling 170 km/h in a 90 km/h zone on Highway 11 North.
• May 19 – North Bay: Vehicle stopped travelling 153 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Highway 11 South. Police said this incident also involved an impaired driving investigation.
• May 21 – North Bay: Vehicle stopped travelling 168 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Highway 11.
• May 24 – North Bay: Driver charged with stunt driving for failing to occupy the driver’s seat while the vehicle was in motion. Police said this incident also involved an impaired driving investigation.
• May 28 – Bonfield: Vehicle stopped travelling 111 km/h in a 70 km/h zone on Highway 17.
• May 29 – East Ferris: Vehicle stopped travelling 103 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on Highway 94.
• May 30 – Callander: Vehicle stopped travelling 159 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Highway 11.

Speed-related stunt driving thresholds

Speed-related stunt driving thresholds include 50 km/h or more over the limit on roads with a speed limit of 80 km/h or higher and 40 km/h or more over the limit on roads with a posted limit below 80 km/h.

Stunt driving penalties

Under the Highway Traffic Act, stunt driving includes a variety of dangerous behaviours beyond excessive speed, such as street racing, driving with a person in the trunk, not sitting in the driver’s seat, or deliberately causing tires to lose traction.

Drivers charged with stunt driving face immediate roadside consequences, including a 30-day driver’s licence suspension and a 14-day vehicle impoundment. Upon conviction, penalties may include fines ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, up to six months imprisonment, and a licence suspension of up to two years for a first offence, with increased penalties for repeat offences.

“OPP reminds the public that aggressive and dangerous driving behaviours significantly increase the likelihood of serious or fatal collisions,” said police.

“Slow down (and) drive safe,” added Const. Kyler Brouwer in a related social media post.