Ontario's Police Leaders Launch Campaign to Raise Awareness of the Dangers Associated with Stunt Driving

TORONTO, May 15, 2012 /CNW/ - The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) today launched its 2012 R.I.D.E. Drive Safe! campaign, which will focus on the extreme dangers posed by "stunt driving" incidents on Ontario roadways. The campaign was kicked off at the Children's Safety Village located at Waterloo Regional Police Service headquarters in Cambridge.

"Stunt driving incidents account for needless tragedies across the province. Despite the obvious dangers involved in racing, driving at excessive speeds, and the performing of stunts, as well as the reporting by media of the horrific consequences of such behaviour, far too many people continue to engage in such behaviour," said OACP President Chief Matt Torigian (Waterloo Regional Police Service).

Ontario's police leaders are especially concerned about so-called "car surfing" - a thrill-seeking activity that involves riding the exterior of a moving vehicle while it is being driven by another person. The activity appears to be driven by social video media and involves primarily young people.

"Persons who engage in car surfing and other dangerous 'stunts' are putting themselves and others in danger," said OPP Chief Superintendent Don Bell, Co-Chair of the OACP Traffic Committee. "We have tough laws in Ontario against stunt driving and racing and our police services will strictly enforce these laws. But laws are only part of the solution. Parents and young people themselves need to talk about this issue and take action."

The 2012 R.I.D.E. Drive Safe! campaign is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and other community/corporate supporters.

Provincial, municipal, regional, and First Nations police services will have access to Drive Safe! campaign information for use in their local traffic safety campaigns through the year. In addition to the booklet distribution, Drive Safe! posters will be on display across Ontario in government offices, police stations, and at select sponsor locations. To download the Drive Safe! booklet, please access the OACP's website at www.oacp.ca.

Members of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police serve their communities as the senior police leaders in municipal, regional, provincial, national, and First Nations police services across Ontario.

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Joe Couto
Director of Government Relations & Communications
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