OPP charge driver caught filming self on Hwy. 417

Ontario Provincial Police say a driver was caught filming themselves behind the wheel on Highway 417 in Ottawa on May 13, 2026. (OPP/X)

Ontario Provincial Police are reminding drivers that officers are out in force this long weekend as part of Canada Road Safety Week, after a driver in Ottawa was caught filming themselves on their phone on Highway 417.

Ottawa OPP Const. Michael Fathi said the driver was stopped on the Queensway near Pinecrest Avenue at around 9 a.m. on Wednesday and charged with distracted driving.

The driver now faces a $615 fine, three demerit points, and a three-day driving ban if convicted.

Canada Road Safety Week runs May 12 to 18. Police officers will be on the lookout for the “Big Four” driving behaviours that contribute to severe and fatal collisions on the roads: distracted driving, impaired driving, aggressive driving, and improper seatbelt use.

The OPP said these behaviours were linked to a significant number of the 344 fatal collisions on OPP-patrolled roads last year.

“As we head into the Victoria Day long weekend — one of the busiest weekends on our roads — as a driver, please remember that every person travelling with or near you stands to pay the price when you choose to take risks behind the wheel. So do their families,” the OPP said on May 12, at the launch of Canada Road Safety Week. “If you are a passenger, don’t let your family pay the price because you chose not to buckle up.”

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