Sarnia police are reminding motorists to ease up on the gas pedal.
In the summer, the provincial government implemented stiffer penalties for stunt driving and street racing under the Highway Traffic Act.
Motorists caught driving 40 kilometres an hour over the speed limit, if the limit is less than 80 kilometres an hour, can be charged with stunt driving. The previous threshold for a stunt driving charge was a registered speed of at least 50 kilometres an hour over the posted limit.
Cst. John Sottosanti said one of the key changes was longer driver's licence suspensions for convicted drivers.
"We do occasionally charge people with stunt driving so that's not unusual, but at this time there's been no recent spike," said Sottosanti. "It was more so by the Sarnia police to make the public aware simply that there has been a change in the legislation. The government, and obviously police, are trying to ensure public safety by preventing or discouraging individuals from driving in a dangerous manner."
Cst. Sottosanti said the new rules don't just apply to the road, and include parking lots, bike paths and trails.
"If you consider parking lots, trails and other similar situations, there's going to be foot traffic and you don't want that type of activity [racing] happening there," he said.
The Moving Ontarians More Safely Act also included the introduction of additional tools to address commercial vehicle drivers who violate hours-of-service rules.
The Moving Ontarians More Safely Act also included the introduction of additional tools to address commercial vehicle drivers who violate hours-of-service rules.
