York Regional Police launch stunt driving blitz

barrie.ctvnews.ca
June 13, 2014
By Mike Walker

There is a new blitz launched by police in York region to crack down on drivers racing on our roads.

A video released by York Regional Police on Friday shows the dangers of stunt driving as two cars raced down a road and nearly crashed into one another.

“People’s lives are at risk, it is simply not acceptable,” says York Regional Police Deputy Chief Thomas Carrique.

Starting on Friday, York Regional Police will be targeting street racers and aggressive drivers. In a blitz dubbed ‘Project Erase.’ And the forces’ helicopter will play a big part.

Ivan Roach is a tactical flight officer and has seen his fair share of street racing from above.

“In the summertime it’s rare to go two days without seeing it.”

He says most of the illegal races happen at night in industrial areas. A new thermal camera on the police chopper will help find and catch street racers.

“You tell the make and model of cars, minuet details, zoom right in and catch the licence plates at the right angle.”

From the air police are able to follow speeders and notify officers on the ground that is ready to respond.

In 2013, police in York Region laid 221 stunt driving related charges, 27 drivers has their licences suspended for a week and five people were arrested.

So far this year the OPP have laid almost 400 charges and last year 150 people were killed in crashes were speeding was a factor.

“They’re all preventable, people are driving like this for their own entertainment - risking their life and the lives of other people on the road and is totally unacceptable,” says Aurora OPP Inspt. Mark Pritchard.

Barrie Police say street racing was a factor in a crash in April that killed a 45-year-old woman. Two 17 year old boys are facing charges and the case is currently before the courts.

And in 2011 Ashley Fogal was killed in a crash by an impaired driver who police say was also speeding at 130 km/h on a posted 80 km/h zone.

Along with patrolling from the air and the road, police will also be monitoring social media for information about races being organized.