Stunting speeds greatly increase chance of fatality

While the classification of speeding over 50 Kilometres per hour as stunting isn’t new to Nova Scotia – added to the Motor Vehicle Act in 2008 – the frequency in which RCMP are laying the charge appears to be increasing.

Two people were recently charged with stunting in northern Nova Scotia after RCMP say they were driving 78 kilometres an hour and 55 kilometres an hour over the posted limit on Highway 104.

In 2015, RCMP charged 11 people with stunting throughout the province, increasing to 29 charges in 2016.

So far in 2017, RCMP have laid 37 stunting charges.

Const. Chad Morrison of RCMP Traffic Services said it’s hard to determine whether speeding at a high rate is happening more often, and suggested instead the charge may be laid more commonly.

It’s a concern for police because the risk of collision is significantly greater, Morrison said.

“It certainly increases a chance of serious injury,” Morrison said, adding Canadian statistics show 20 per cent of collisions involving fatalities and serious injuries involve speeding.

And while the 74-year-old charged in Pictou County on May 14 flies in the face of that, Morrison said 40 per cent of fatal crashes involving speed are from drivers 16 to 24 years of age.

Stunting can include a number of offences, including racing, betting, performing a stunt such as wheelies or donuts, or going more than 50 kilometres over the posted speed.

The fine for the first offence is $2,422.50, while the second offence fine increases to $5,872.50. The fine for a third offence is $11,600.50. A driver’s licence can be suspended and the vehicle can be seized.

Morrison said the charges are most often being laid in Amherst and the Annapolis Valley.