Vehicle impounded after driver caught travelling more than double speed limit: OPP

OPP constable issues safety reminder after driver caught going 101 km/h in a 50 km/h zone in Thunder Bay.

A 27-year-old local man is facing stunt driving charges after being clocked by Ontario Provincial Police travelling more than double the posted speed limit on Dawson Road in Thunder Bay.

Police say the incident occurred on Dawson Road near Highway 102 at about 6:30 p.m. on March 17.

In a social media post, the OPP detailed that the driver was recorded travelling at 101 kilometres per hour in a posted 50 km/h zone.

The driver has been charged with stunt driving, and as a result, the individual’s licence has been suspended for 30 days and the vehicle has been impounded for 14 days.

Speeding dangerous, regardless of road conditions

In a video accompanying the social media post, Const. Joel Eppinghaus underscored the risks of speeding given the time of year, despite the road conditions at the time.

“Winter’s not over, folks, summer’s not here, and it doesn’t matter if the roads are bare and the sun is out,” Eppinghaus said in the video.

He urged motorists to consider the safety of others on the road.

“It’s not just you on the highway,” the constable said.

Mandatory court appearance

The driver is scheduled to make a mandatory court appearance at a future date.

Court-imposed penalties for stunt driving may include a fine of up to $10,000, a driver’s licence suspension of up to three years and/or up to six months in jail. Drivers face a minimum first-time fine for stunt driving of $2,000 upon conviction. Motorist convicted of stunt driving may also face six demerit points, higher insurance costs and a mandatory driver improvement course.

Regular occurrence

Eppinghaus noted the frequency of such incidents in the area during his video remarks.

“Another impounded vehicle,” he said.

The constable concluded his social media post with a direct appeal to the public: “Slow down, folks!”