Last year, the Ontario Provincial Police laid 3,060 stunt-driving charges, according to the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP).

In 2012, to date, 598 stunt-driving charges have been laid, which is the basis for the OACP's 2012 RIDE Drive Safe! campaign, that will focus on the extreme dangers posed by stunt-driving incidents on Ontario roadways.

“Stunt driving incidents account for needless tragedies across the province,” OACP president, Chief Matt Torigian (Waterloo Regional Police Service), said in a press release. “Despite the obvious dangers involved in racing, driving at excessive speeds, and the performing of stunts, as well as the reporting by media of the horrific consequences, far too many people continue to engage in such behaviour.”

Of particular concern for Ontario’s police services is the act of so-called “car surfing” – a thrill-seeking activity that involves riding the exterior of a moving vehicle while it is being driven by another person, according to the OACP.

The activity appears to be driven by social video media and involves primarily young people.

To download the Drive Safe! booklet, visit www.oacp.ca.

Posted by Arron Pickard