Aggressive driving deaths on highways up 80% over last year

Ontario Provincial Police arewarning road users to drive carefully this summer after finding that deaths as a result of aggressive driving are up 80 per cent this year compared to last.

So far in 2017, 27 people have been killed on Ontario highways due to risky road behaviours. The total for the same period of2016 was 15,Sgt.KerrySchmidt said.

• Police aim to curb street racers, stunt drivers across Ontario

"Aggressive driving [comes in] all forms: speeding, tailgating, following too close, excessive lane changes it's almost like stunt driving," Schmidt said.

In April, a coalition of police forces launched Project ERASE,or "Eliminate Racing Activity On Streets Everywhere." That came in response to a spike in stunt-driving charges early in 2017 that mirrors the rise in fatalities.

"Please don't drive crazy, please think about everyone else," said Schmidt, asking that Ontarians talk to their friends and family if they see them driving dangerously.

Schmidt also warned more vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclistsand people on motorcycles to take extra care and wear reflective gear to ensure they can be seen.