Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving: What is it?
Aggressive driving is more than being in a hurry. It’s driving in a way that’s impatient, hostile or risky and includes behaviours like speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, running reds and failing to yield to oncoming traffic. These described behaviours can also endanger other road users, putting their safety and wellbeing at risk.
Why it matters: between 2020 and 2024, 56% of fatal or major injury collisions in Ottawa involved high-risk driving behaviour. Those few extra seconds you think you’re saving can come at the expense of someone else’s life. Remember, you are not stuck in traffic, you are traffic.
Choose calm behind the wheel:
- Leave space (aim for at least a 3-second following distance)
- Slow down – speed impact reaction time and stopping distance
- Signal early and avoid weaving
- Be patient at intersections – don’t run red lights
- Let someone merge (you’ll still get there)
- Plan ahead and give yourself extra time for unplanned traffic
Let’s get you home and keep Ottawa moving safely – visit Ottawa.ca to learn more about how to keep our roads safe.
Distracted Driving
Are you ready to pay the price?
Distracted driving is an unsafe, illegal, and high-risk driving behaviour that puts the life of others – and your own – at risk. In Ottawa between 2020 and 2024, 56 per cent of fatal and major injury collisions involved one or more drivers engaging in high-risk driver behaviour in Ottawa.
But distracted driving doesn’t stop at texting behind the wheel – from eating, adjusting the radio, music or even listening into backseat conversations, these can all come with a high cost, one that no one can afford to pay.
Tips to staying distraction-free:
- Avoid temptation: plan your trip, set your phone to “do not disturb”, pull over if you need to look at a text, or give your passenger control of your device.
- Understand “distracted driving”: texting or talking on the phone, interacting with your smartwatch, eating or drinking, grooming or applying makeup, interacting with pets or passengers, daydreaming or getting lost in thoughts, adjusting the radio or temperature.
- Understanding the risks: as stated above, in Ottawa between 2020 and 2024, 56% per cent of fatal and major injury collisions involved high-risk driving behaviour.
- Know the penalties: First-time convictions of distracted driving for those with A to G licenses can induce fines of up to $1000, three demerit points, and a 3-day license suspension.
Be part of the change and help us make Ottawa roads safer for all users.
