Aggressive driving is an illegal and inexcusable high-risk driving behaviour that can
come with a very high cost. In fact, from 2019-2023, 61% of fatal and major injury
collisions involved high-risk driving behaviour on our city roads.
We all have a role in keeping our roads safe by obeying the speed limit and driving
responsibly:
Road safety initiatives
There are now 60 Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras actively enforcing speed limits across the city, and another 24 locations planned for 2025. View the full list of ASE locations on the Automated Speed Enforcement web page. The location of each active camera is also available via the City’s online traffic map.
Community Safety Zones (CSZ) are designated near schools to protect children walking or cycling. In these zones, fines for certain offences—like speeding or careless driving—are doubled to reinforce safety.
Red-light cameras helps reduce aggressive driving behavior. Studies have shown that red-light violations can decrease by up to 42% within months of camera installation. Red-light cameras are placed at high-risk intersections across the city, selected based on measurable safety benefits associated with the installation of Red-light cameras and collision data.
Learn more about sharing the road as a motorist and staying safe around cyclists, e-bikes, and pedestrians.
Safer Roads Ottawa is committed to promoting road safety through various initiatives and awareness campaigns. This year, we are supporting:
Operation Interlude (OPS-led speed enforcement initiative) – A targeted enforcement effort taking place after March Break to address speeding in school zones and other aggressive driving behaviors.
Distracted driving: Leave the Phone Alone campaign
Impaired Driving: Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) program
Education and outreach specific to the safe use of ATV’s to grades 9-12 students in schools in Ottawa’s rural areas
How to avoid aggressive driving
You are in control of your own behaviour, but how you react to others may also affect their driving habits, so sit back, turn on your seat warmer, adjust the temperature so you’re nice and comfy and play your favourite tunes as you think about these tips from the Canada Safety Council to help you avoid aggressive driving situations:
Stay Calm Behind the Wheel
Plan ahead. Allow yourself enough travel time to prevent a time crunch.
Obey the speed limit. Obeying the speed limit will ensure proper traffic flow.
Identify alternate routes. Try to find routes that will enable you to avoid traffic congestion on busier roads.
Just be late. Being late for work or an appointment is better than endangering your life or the life of someone else.
Drive sober. Absolutely never drink and drive.
Keep the kids content. With young children, take regular stops and bring plenty of items to keep them occupied.
Don’t let traffic congestion get to you. Keep in mind that traffic congestion is often a regular part of driving and is best handled with a calm attitude.
Stay Alert Behind the Wheel
Sleep. Make sure you get enough sleep before your drive.
Pull Over. If you’re feeling tired while driving, pull over to a safe place and take a nap or perhaps spend the night in a hotel. There is no better cure for tiredness than sleep.
Be cautious. If you suspect someone else is driving drowsy on the road, keep alert, drive courteously and don’t get angry.
Protect Yourself from Aggressive Drivers
Don’t take it personally. Be polite, even if the other driver is not. If another driver challenges you, take a deep breath and move out of the way.
Keep your eyes on the road. Don’t provoke an aggressive driver further by making negative eye contact or gesturing. Show them they can’t distract you from driving safely.
Always be a courteous driver. Set an example for other drivers by always being courteous and driving defensively.
Take all safety measures. The number one passenger safety precaution is to make sure everyone is properly buckled up.
What to do when aggressive driving happens
The Ottawa Police Service encourages you to report incidents of aggressive driving. It’s how you can help make Ottawa roads safer. If it’s an emergency and needs an immediate police response, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency situations, you can call the police or report the incident online. You will need to provide:
Incident: date, time, location, direction of travel.
Driver Information: driver description (male/female, age, hair etc).
Vehicle Information: licence Plate (number, province), vehicle (year, make, model, colour, car/truck/bicycle/ any other features (trailer hitch, modified parts etc).
Details of the incident
Your information: name, address, phone (home, business, mobile), date of birth.
You can also prevent incidents of aggressive driving by setting a good example for future generations. Our children learn by observing and educating them at an early age through our actions will teach them the importance of being courteous.
Got a question about this or any other Ward or City issue? Just send an email to Clarke.Kelly@Ottawa.ca or call our office at 613-580-2475..
• Drop-in and speak with your City of Ottawa Councillor, Clarke Kelly, at his next Open House
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