The Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding motorists that speeding and aggressive driving continue to pose significant risks on Ontario roadways after officers recently laid stunt driving charges on Highway 401. Speeding and aggressive driving are dangerous behaviors that increase the risk of serious collisions and place all road users at risk.
Under Ontario law, stunt driving includes travelling 40 km/h or more above the posted speed limit on roads where the speed limit is less than 80 km/h, 50 km/h or more above the posted speed limit on roads where the speed limit is 80 km/h or higher, or 150 km/h or more anywhere in the province, regardless of the posted speed limit.
Recent incidents investigated by Northumberland OPP include:
August 25, 2026, at around 11:00 p.m., officers conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 401 westbound in the Municipality of Brighton stopped a vehicle travelling 178 km/h.
A 30-year-old male from Pickering was charged with:
- Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt – excessive speed
- Careless driving
August 16, 2026, shortly before 4:00 a.m., officers stopped a vehicle travelling 165 km/h on Highway 401 westbound in the Township of Cramahe.
A 24-year-old male from Scarborough was charged with:
- Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt – excessive speed
August 13, 2026, shortly before 10:00 a.m., officers stopped a vehicle travelling 158 km/h on Highway 401 eastbound in the Municipality of Brighton.
A 19-year-old male from London was charged with:
- Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt – excessive speed
In all three occurrences, the drivers’ licenses were suspended for 30 days and the vehicles were impounded for 14 days.
Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to changing road conditions, increases stopping distances, and significantly raises the risk of serious injury or death in a collision. Motorists are urged to obey posted speed limits, drive according to road and weather conditions, and make safe choices behind the wheel.
Whether travelling across town or along Ontario’s highways, safe driving habits save lives. The OPP encourages all motorists to slow down, leave adequate space between vehicles, remain focused on the road, and move over for emergency vehicles and roadside workers who are carrying out their duties in potentially hazardous conditions.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
