Disregarding the speed limit on empty stretches of the Trans-Canada Highway north of Lake Superior has cost drivers from across the country a lot of time and a lot of money.
Over a three-month period this summer, Ontario Provincial Police in Marathon charged no fewer than 10 drivers under the stunt driving/racing prohibitions in the Highway Traffic Act.
The motorists, who were caught between June 22 and September 25, were all driving over 140 km/h in a 90 km/h zone.
Only one of the drivers, a woman, was a resident of the District of Thunder Bay. All the others were men from other parts of Canada.
Motorists charged with driving 50 km/h or more over the speed limit are subject to a mandatory 7-day license suspension, 7-day vehicle impoundment, 6 demerit points and a minimum fine of $2,000.
They are also responsible for towing and storage fees, and for a fee to reinstate their license.
Marathon OPP Constable Peter Bertin says officers hear all kinds of excuses from drivers they pull over for speeding.
"You get the ones who say, 'You know, I really have to get to a bathroom' or 'I really wasn't paying attention. I was talking with my passenger.'"
Bertin said he was "a little surprised" to see how many charges were laid for stunt driving this summer.
He noted that with winter approaching, people are less likely to drive that fast "on these roads unless they've really got a death wish."
