Hamilton Police on watch for aggressive drivers, speeding


Published on May 09, 2008

Canada Road Safety Week is a Canadian Association Chiefs of Police Traffic Committee Initiative that runs from May 13 to Victoria Day, May 19. This program will run in conjunction with the Hamilton Police Services' Aggressive Driving Campaign.

Each year in Canada, more than 2,000 people die on the roads and more than 15,000 people are seriously injured.

These initiatives are designed to increase public compliance with traffic laws and raise awareness of safe driving measures with the goal to save lives.

In 2007, there were 9,358 motor vehicle collisions in the City of Hamilton, including 1,561 personal injury collisions, 24 fatalities and 31 deaths.

About 3,600 motor vehicle collisions occurred within Hamilton as of April 28. Of these, 450 were personal injury collisions with five resulting in fatalities.

The Hamilton Police Service has issued about 16,850 tickets for Highway Traffic Act and City of Hamilton by-law violations, as they relate to the safe operation of a motor vehicle. So far this year, the numbers are not decreasing. In 2007, 44,947 tickets were issued.

The term aggressive driving can be applied to red light and stop sign violations, unsafe lane changes, speeding, following too closely and failing to yield.

Hamilton Police will address these acts with more diligence and zero tolerance with the upcoming programs.