Increased jail time for careless drivers

In March 2020, due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite a gradual return towards business as usual, many Ontarians continue to work from home resulting in fewer vehicles on our streets. However, the empty streets and highways have also resulted in an increase in drivers engaging in reckless driving at high speeds.

The City of Toronto, for example, has reported a 35% increase in speeding tickets since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and a 200% increase in stunt driving, in which individuals have been taking advantage of low traffic volumes to drive at recklessly high speeds. In one instance in April, police reported stopping a driver in Simcoe travelling at 205 km/h in a 40 km/h zone.

Starting September 1st, drivers in Ontario could face jail time of up to two years and a fine of up to $50,000 for drivers convicted of careless driving causing bodily harm or death.

Hopefully, this will cause reckless drivers to think twice.  High speed collision can have a devastating impact on a person’s entire life. Dangerous driving increases the likelihood of an accident as well as the likelihood of serious injury and impairment. Reckless, high speed driving affords a motor vehicle operator little time to react to traffic signals and other vehicles and poses a particular risk to cyclists and pedestrians.

High speed accidents have a higher likelihood of resulting in serious injuries including:

  • Brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injury & paralysis
  • Disfigurement & amputations

Virk Personal Injury Law specializes in motor vehicle accident law and has extensive experience in serious and catastrophic injury cases. We will do whatever is necessary to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. If you would like to talk to us about your case, please contact us for a free consultation. There is no cost and no risk to find out if we can help.