A video of a driver recklessly \u201cswimming\u201d through traffic on an Ontario highway is gaining traction online, prompting police to warn about hefty penalties for such behaviour.<\/p>\n
Earlier this week, a video of the concerning act surfaced online, which shows a passenger\u2019s point of view of a driver aggressively weaving through the\u00a0 westbound lanes on Highway 401.\u00a0<\/p>\n
@nowtoronto<\/a> Police are reacting to this nail-bitting video taken on Hwy. 401 that showcases an emerging trend called \u201cswimming,\u201d where those behind the wheel navigate through tight spaces in traffic at high speeds. #OPP<\/a> #Highway401<\/a> \u266c original sound \u2013 Now Toronto<\/a> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The nail-bitting video showcases an emerging driving trend called \u201cswimming,\u201d where those behind the wheel navigate through tight spaces in traffic at high speeds, which are typically recorded and later uploaded to social media platforms.<\/p>\n
Peel Regional Police say they\u2019re aware of the term, and have denounced it, calling it \u201creckless behaviour\u201d and warning that it could be considered as careless driving under the Highway Traffic Act if caught.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis offence carries fines of up to $490, and additional penalties such as speeding fines may also apply,\u201d a police spokesperson told Now Toronto on Thursday in an email statement.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSuch actions significantly increase the risk of collisions and can lead to serious consequences,\u201d they added.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Though the video is not under investigation at this time, Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Kerry Schmidt emphasizes that the stunt driving on display is more than just simply speeding, and carries hefty repercussions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis kind of person should not be on the road,\u201d he said to Now Toronto.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis could certainly land someone in some pretty hot water\u2026 the distraction, the risk they\u2019re putting themselves in and anybody else is in the vehicle, and, of course, the motoring public. This kind of stuff is just completely unacceptable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Schmidt lists a number of criminal charges a driver could face, including stunt driving, careless driving, dangerous driving, not to mention automatic roadside sanctions including a vehicle impoundment and license suspension. While he acknowledges that there\u2019s a time and place for those who want to put the pedal to the metal, it certainly isn\u2019t on the Ontario highway system.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf someone wants to drive in this kind of manner, you know what? There are tracks and facilities out there where you can have your thrills, and you can push your vehicle to the limit in a controlled, safe and exciting environment,\u201d he said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you want to be a Formula One race car driver, do it on the track. Don\u2019t do it on the 410 or 401.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Schmidt urges other motorists on the road to report these kinds of videos that surface, especially if you know the author behind the posts. By putting forward a formal complaint, he says the OPP can launch an investigation and look into identifying these drivers, a positive step towards getting them off of the roads.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to make sure the highways are safe for everyone to use,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n