Road Safety Unit delivers city-wide results throughout January

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 5, 2026           9:55 a.m.

Ottawa — The Ottawa Police Service Road Safety Unit (RSU), working alongside District Traffic Units and policing partners, had a strong enforcement and education impact throughout January, targeting high-risk driving behaviours and improving safety on Ottawa roads.

This month, officers focused on speeding, stunt driving, distracted driving, commercial vehicle safety, winter driving compliance, and suspended or unlicensed driving.

These efforts resulted in hundreds of vehicle stops, dozens of charges, and multiple unsafe vehicles removed from the road.

Week 1: Speeding and high-risk driving

During the first week of January, officers conducted targeted speeding enforcement across several neighbourhoods, including Kanata, Stittsville, Findlay Creek, Manotick, Barrhaven, and Orléans.

• 81 offences addressed, including:
  • Speeding and stunt driving
  • Driving while suspended
  • Distracted driving
  • Seatbelt violations
  • No insurance and expired plates

Week 2: Commercial vehicle enforcement & winter driving

The second week focused on commercial vehicle and tow enforcement, along with winter driving compliance during a snowstorm.

• 48 Provincial Offence charges laid
• 3 criminal charges
• 7 commercial vehicle inspections
• 2 vehicles removed from service for safety concerns
• 1 stolen vehicle recovered
• 1 wanted individual arrested

During the snowstorm, officers stopped more than 90 drivers to remind them to turn on headlights and clear snow from their vehicles — simple actions that significantly reduce collision risk.

Week 3: Distracted driving & seatbelt enforcement

The RSU partnered with District Traffic officers to conduct focused enforcement in Orléans and Barrhaven.

• Orléans: 28 charges laid, including handheld device offences, speeding, and suspended driving
• Barrhaven: 35 charges laid, including 9 handheld device offences resulting in over $5,400 in fines, as well as red-light violations and unlicensed driving

Week 4: South district distracted driving enforcement

Last week, South District Traffic officers and the Road Safety Unit conducted a targeted cell phone and seatbelt enforcement initiative across multiple South District locations.

Officers issued 35 Provincial Offence Notices, including nine hand-held device offences, seatbelt violations, unlicenced and suspended driving, and insurance-related offences, along with additional charges for speeding, red-light violations, and unsafe driving behaviours.

The initiative resulted in two vehicle/driver suspensions and more than $5,400 in fines related to cell phone use.

RIDE

On January 30, officers conducted a two-hour RIDE program between 9 and 11 p.m. at Sussex Drive/King Edward Avenue and the Greenfield Avenue westbound Hwy. 417 on-ramp. Approximately 300 vehicles were stopped, six approved screening device tests were administered, and one driver received a seven-day warn-range licence suspension.

The Road Safety Unit continues to work closely with District Traffic teams to reduce collisions, address dangerous driving behaviours, and keep Ottawa’s roads safe for all users.

Road safety is a shared responsibility — every choice behind the wheel matters.

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