No Excuse: Driver Busted at 157 km/h on Hwy 401 Claiming to Be Late for Work

Speeding to work might seem like a solution for tardiness, but for one Ontario driver, it led directly to a significant encounter with the law. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in eastern Ontario issued a stern reminder that excessive speed, regardless of the reason, carries severe consequences after pulling over a driver clocked at a staggering 157 km/h on Highway 401.

The incident unfolded on Thursday morning near Prescott, a stretch of the busy highway where safety is paramount.

When questioned by officers, the driver reportedly offered "being late for work" as the justification for travelling well over the posted speed limit. However, the OPP was unequivocal in its response.

"Being late for work is NOT an excuse to drive 157 km/h on Hwy 401," stated the OPP's East Region Twitter account, reinforcing the message that public safety takes precedence over personal schedules.

The repercussions for the driver were swift and substantial.

They now face a charge of stunt driving, a serious offense under Ontario law designed to deter dangerous road behaviour. In addition to the charge, the driver's license was immediately suspended for seven days, and their vehicle was impounded for the same duration. These immediate penalties highlight the province's stringent approach to combating dangerous driving practices.

The OPP frequently reminds motorists about the dangers and legal ramifications of stunt driving, which includes exceeding the speed limit by 40 km/h or more where the speed limit is less than 80 km/h, or by 50 km/h or more where the speed limit is 80 km/h or more.

This incident serves as a stark warning to all drivers: planning ahead and adhering to speed limits are not just suggestions, but legal requirements crucial for everyone's safety on the roads.