City officials in Ottawa are intensifying efforts to combat aggressive and distracted driving this August. These high-risk behaviors are known to lead to a higher number of fatal and serious accidents during this month compared to other times of the year.

Statistics from the city indicate that aggressive and distracted driving are consistently among the leading causes of collisions. Between 2019 and 2023, 61 percent of accidents resulting in fatalities or major injuries involved factors such as speeding, tailgating, cutting off other drivers, failing to yield the right-of-way, running red lights, and excessive lane changes.

Aggressive driving also includes passing too closely to cyclists and stopping on pedestrian crosswalks. Recent weeks have seen several serious incidents where drivers struck cyclists and pedestrians. In response, some Ottawa councillors are advocating for a ban on right turns at red lights.

To address these issues, city officials are implementing various countermeasures aimed at reducing speeding and aggressive driving. These include the introduction of narrower lanes and roundabouts on major roads, as well as traffic calming measures like speed humps and curb extensions in residential areas.

The city has also reported success with its automated speeding cameras. Data shows that compliance with posted speed limits has increased significantly since the cameras were installed. Currently, 81 percent of drivers adhere to speed limits on streets monitored by these cameras, a notable rise from just 16 percent before their implementation.

Compliance rates improved to 57 percent within three months of the cameras being installed and reached 69 percent after one year. Additionally, high-end speeding—defined as driving more than 15 km/h over the limit—has decreased sharply. Prior to the cameras, 14 percent of drivers were categorized as high-end speeders, but that figure has dropped to just 0.7 percent after three years of the program.

The city continues to expand the use of automated speeding cameras in areas identified through evaluations of speeding and collision histories, as well as pedestrian traffic.

Ottawa police are urging residents to report instances of aggressive driving. Non-emergency incidents can be reported via phone or online, with police requesting details such as the date, time, location, and vehicle description.

Additionally, the city reminds drivers that distracted driving laws prohibit the use of handheld devices for texting or calling, even when stopped at traffic lights. The 2025 budget allocates $69 million for road safety initiatives, a significant increase from the $31.5 million designated for this purpose in 2020.