Over Half Of Ontarians Admit To Driving Terribly

If you drive like a Fast and Furious character when you're cruising through Ontario's streets, you aren't alone.

In a recent survey conducted on the behalf of CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO), 55% of Ontario drivers fessed up to unsafe driving and 95% said they had seen other drivers engage in dangerous driving.

According to the survey, the most common dangerous driving behaviours this year include "speeding, distracted driving, unsafely changing lanes and aggressive driving," some of which classify as stunt driving.

Of those surveyed, 76% are not aware of all the offences that count as stunt driving.

"Many motorists think stunt driving is just a combination of excessive speeding and doing reckless tricks, but it also includes aggressive behaviours such as road rage and weaving through traffic," said Raymond Chan, manager of government relations at CAA SCO.

"When you engage in stunt driving, it could cost you your driver's licence, your car, and most importantly, your life or the lives of others," said Chan.

On July 1, Ontario cracked down on stunt driving penalties, with longer vehicle impounds and lower speed thresholds for stunt driving charges.

"As we continue to see increased pedestrian and cycling traffic during the summer months, our hope is that tougher penalties will curb driver's impulse to drive dangerously and help contribute to safer roads for everyone," said Chan.

More penalties are set to come into effect in the fall of 2021 and, according to the survey, 74% of those surveyed think harsher penalties and fines will discourage stunt driving.