Speeding and aggressive driving: not worth the risk

Nova Scotia RCMP is reminding motorists that speeding and aggressive driving are not worth the risk.

In 2018, Nova Scotia RCMP responded to 51 fatal and serious injury collisions that involved some form of aggressive driving (including speeding, stunting, unsafe passing and more). This painful reality is a reminder that life can change in a moment.

Speeding drastically reduces the amount of time drivers have to react to unexpected hazards, putting the drivers themselves and other road users at serious risk of being seriously injured or killed.

“People speed for many reasons, including running late and having a bad day,” says Cpl. Jennifer Clarke of the Nova Scotia RCMP. “While these are certainly frustrating everyday situations, they’re not worth the potentially life-changing consequences of speeding or driving aggressively.”

When it comes to the dangers of speeding, a complicating factor police often see is people not driving for the road conditions. Wet or icy roads can double your stopping distance, so it’s important to adjust your driving for those factors.

The speeding fines for a first offence in Nova Scotia are:

• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​$237.50 for exceeding the speed limit by one-15 km/h and two points on your license.
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​$295 for exceeding the speed limit by 16-30 km/h,​three points on your license and an immediate seven day roadside license suspension.
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​$410 for exceeding the speed limit by 31 km/h or more, four points on your license and an immediate seven day roadside license suspension.

Stunting is $2,422.50 for a first offence, six points on your license and an immediate seven day roadside license suspension.

Police will continue targeted enforcement to combat aggressive driving and protect road users.

If you see dangerous driving, report it to police when it is safe to do so. It is helpful to include the location of the vehicle, a description of the driver and vehicle (including license plate number, colour, make and model)​ and the vehicle’s direction of travel.

Choosing to speed or drive aggressively is a potentially life-changing decision. Please make the right choice for you and other road users by driving safely.

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Source : Media Release