The York Regional Police Road Safety Bureau along with other Ontario forces and the Ministry of Transportation launched this year’s Eliminate Racing Activity on Streets Everywhere campaign to remind drivers stunt driving won’t be tolerated.
“It’s that time of the year where modified vehicles begin to roll out on the roads and some drivers seem to think that they can use our streets as their personal racetrack,” police said in a news release on Wednesday.
“Throughout the season, the York Regional Police helicopter Air2 will be working with officers on the ground, watching for vehicles staging to race, vehicles travelling at excessive rates of speed and vehicles that do not meet safety standards.”
York police have released a video taken by Air2 of a sedan doing donuts, then driving 180 km/hr and passing other vehicles on the shoulder of a road and running a red light.
The helicopter stayed on the driver and he was apprehended.
Insp. Ian Hill says street racers can move from one city to another.
“The partnership highlighted today puts racers on notice that we will work collaboratively on this important issue,” Hill said.
Police say excessive speed is a major contributing factor in many fatal collisions.
“Street racers put themselves and unsuspecting road users at risk of death or serious injury when they choose to disobey traffic laws and drive without due care and control and with a disregard for public safety,” police said.
“The real finish line for these drivers may be court, fines, jail, vehicle seizure, a loss of driving privileges or even worse, the hospital or the morgue.”
Police ask the public to call 911 if they see dangerous driving practices.