Local efforts to crack down on dangerous driving resulted in hundreds of tickets on OPP-patrolled roads this long weekend.
Police forces across the country focused on the “Big Four” of seatbelts, speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving on Thanksgiving weekend as part of “Operation Impact.”
CTV Ottawa’s Claudia Cautillo went out with Ottawa police on Monday to see what kinds of behaviour was being captured, witnessing everything from texting and driving to going more than 50 kilometres an hour over the speed limit.
“Because he's going over the 50, that means I can seize his vehicle for seven days and I can also seize his driver's license for seven days,” said Sgt. Paramjit Singh, who also fined the man $359.
Police said they head out for blitzes such as these on long weekends because more people are on the roads, stopping most for speeding.
“On (Highway) 174 in the east end of Ottawa we're getting 50s over, 60s over, 150-160 kilometres (an hour) in a 100 zone,” said Sgt. Al Ferris. “People are going too fast.”
Going 30 kilometres over the speed limit can lead to a fine of $220, while texting behind the wheel is a $155 penalty.
Police said they hope blitzes on long weekends encourage road safety throughout the year.
“Slow down, pay attention, stay off the cell phone, make sure everybody is seatbelted in, take care of the children in the car and don't drink and drive,” Ferris said.
With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Claudia Cautillo
