COUNTY OF BRANT – During the Civic Long weekend Provincial traffic initiative, August 2 to August 5, 2017 County of Brant Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) set their sights on all forms of aggressive driving in an effort to keep all road users safe.

During the initiative police impounded seven vehicles from seven separate incidents including stunt driving, impaired driving and driving under suspension. In one occasion a vehicle was caught on radar travelling more than 70 km/h over the posted speed limit. In another case a driver was found to have their drivers licence suspended for failing to pay family support. 

The County of Brant OPP conducted traffic enforcement at several locations within the County of Brant in an effort to increase road safety and to eliminate roadway fatalities where causal factors involve alcohol, aggressive driving, non-seat belt usage and distracted driving.

 County of Brant OPP efforts over the long weekend resulted in the following:

• 31 speeding charges
• 4 stunt/racing charges
• 6 seatbelt charges
• 3 distracted driving charges
• 16 other Highway Traffic Act offences
• 4 insurance violations
• 1 impaired driving charge
• 1 Liquor licence Act charge

“So far this year Brant County OPP members have laid over 85 criminal charges and over 2000 traffic charges just in relation to driving offences in the County. Encompassed in these numbers are four criminal charges for Dangerous driving. If your driving is believed to be a marked departure from the norm and dangerous to the public you can and will be charged criminally for your driving behaviour, regardless of whether a collision has occurred.” – Inspector Lisa Anderson, Detachment Commander

Dangerous driving is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. Unlike a charge under the provincial Highway Traffic Act, when a person is charged criminally, their photograph and fingerprints are taken and they will have a police file.

If convicted on summary conviction (less serious), the maximum jail time is up-to two years less a day; if convicted on indictment (more serious), the driver could face imprisonment for up-to 10 years. In addition to any other punishment, the Court may also order a licence suspension.

The penalties increase if the dangerous driving results in someone getting hurt or killed.

Anyone with information regarding any other incident is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.crimestoppers-brant.ca where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.