With the official start to summer a few days away, more vehicles are hitting the road, Ontario Provincial Police are asking drivers to ease off the accelerator as stunt driving charges rise across Middlesex County.
“Once all the snow disappears and the roads clear, we do see an uptick in speeds and in stunt driving,” said Const. Jeffery Hare with the Middlesex County OPP. “Summer is just around the corner, and a lot more people are out on the roads.”
This week, a 22-year-old London driver was charged after allegedly driving nearly double the posted 100 km/h speed limit on Highway 401 in Thames Centre.
“Drivers of all ages are being caught at dangerously high speeds, Hare said.”
“We do see a mix of people from all ages and drivers all driving at speeds that are not acceptable,” he said. “We have got young drivers like the one that was charged yesterday. but we still see a range of drivers, irrespective of age.”
Hare said the OPP is always enforcing but will be increasing the amount of officers on duty as the Canada Day long weekend approaches. Officers will be targeting what they call the “Big Four”: impaired driving, distracted driving, failing to wear seatbelts, and speeding.
“We are out all the time doing traffic initiatives,” Hare said. “One of the biggest things we do ask from the public is if you see somebody driving recklessly or dangerously, give us a call.”
Even if police aren’t able to respond right away, Hare said phoning in a license plate or vehicle description can help officers follow up.
OPP is expecting higher volumes of traffic with the summer season fully coming into bloom. Police are asking drivers to stay focused, obey posted speeds and help keep the roads safe for everyone.