Provincial police say a reduction in the number of vehicles on Highway 401 during the COVID-19 pandemic seems to have led to speeders pressing the gas pedal down even farther.
Physical distancing has led to more people working from home, and therefore, fewer vehicles on the highway. According to police, there has been a noticeable increase in the speed of drivers who disobey posted speed limits. Constable Shawn Eagen of the Chatham-Kent Detachment of the OPP said the number of speeders hasn't changed much, but their velocity has. He says people ticketed for stunt driving have been clocked in the range of 170-200 kilometres per hour in recent weeks, compared to the usual ranges of 150-160 km/h.
Among those charged was a man from Brampton, who was clocked at 190 km/h on Highway 401 near Communication Road on Tuesday night. The 22-year-old's vehicle was impounded for seven days.
“Don't let the nicer weather negatively influence driving behaviour,” said Eagen. “Please slow down, drivers will be charged accordingly if driving at extremely high speeds.”