Dangerous driving no joke

Dear editor:
With the flurry of media activity highlighting the dangers of “ghost riding” and “trunking,” I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the risk and consequences of dangerous driving.
A quick look on the popular YouTube website reveals how prevalent “ghost riding” and “trunking” have become. The people in these videos may look like they’re having a great time but make no mistake—they’re putting their lives and the lives of innocent people at risk.
For parents who do not know what “ghost riding” is, it involves the driver and/or passengers leaving a vehicle and dancing outside (often on the hood or roof) while the driver-less vehicle is still in motion.
“Trunking” is a stunt where passengers ride in the trunks of cars.
These dangerous practices have resulted in needless fatalities and injuries across North America over the past few years.
In Ontario, “ghost riding” or riding in the trunk of a car is illegal. The former can result in a charge under the Criminal Code while someone caught trunking faces a fine of between $60 and $500 upon conviction.
Drivers who transport passengers under the age of 16 in the trunk of a car also can be fined and have two demerit points applied to their records.
As well, these drivers may be subject to a charge under the Criminal Code.
To be clear, “ghost riding” and “trunking” are dangerous and illegal activities in Ontario. And no punishment will help those who are killed or injured as a result.
Let’s help Ontario’s young people to make the right choice and keep themselves safe. “Ghost riding” and “trunking” have no place on Ontario roads.
(Signed),
Donna Cansfield,
Ontario Minister of Transportation