A 22-year-old Brampton man is charged with the criminal offence of dangerous driving after he was found driving 146 km/h in a 60 km/h zone in Vaughan.
An officer conducting speed enforcement on Major Mackenzie Drive West near Highway 50 Aug. 19 at about 12:50 a.m. observed an eastbound vehicle that appeared to be speeding. A speed measuring device indicated the vehicle was travelling 86 km/h above the posted limit, according to a York Regional Police news release.
A man faces charges of stunt driving and speeding, as well as the criminal offence of dangerous driving. The driver’s licence was seized on the spot and suspended for 30 days. A BMW vehicle was impounded for 14 days, police said.
Dangerous driving occurs when a person operates a vehicle in a manner that, having regard to all of the circumstances, is dangerous to the public. Excessive speeding is an example of driving behaviour that can be considered dangerous, police said.
"It’s important to know that sometimes speed alone can be sufficient for a criminal charge of dangerous driving. If a case of extreme speeding is far from what an ordinary, sensible person would do in similar circumstances and the speed presents a predictable danger to the public, then it may meet the threshold for a criminal charge," police said.
"Speeding continues to be a problem on our roads. It is a major factor in many motor vehicle collisions and is often an aggravating factor in tragic incidents that result in death and serious bodily harm.
"Some speeds are so egregious that a traffic ticket or summons is insufficient to deal with the gravity of the situation. When warranted, York Regional Police officers are prepared to lay criminal charges," police said.
Citizens can call 911 if dangerous driving behaviour that could cause serious injury or loss of life is observed. Try to note the vehicle’s location, direction of travel, make, model, licence plate number and driver’s description, police said.
Anyone with information about this crime, or any serious traffic-related enforcement issue, is asked to contact the York Regional Police Road Safety Bureau’s Regional Enforcement Priorities (REP) team at 1-866-876-5423, ext.7703, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online.
