LONDON, Ont. - A new study shows speed-related deaths and injuries among young Ontario men have dropped significantly since the province passed a strict law against street racing.
The research out of Western University found there have been about 58 fewer speed-related deaths or injuries a month for males between 16 and 24 years old since the law took effect in 2007.
The law says drivers caught travelling at 50 kilometres per hour above the speed limit, street racing or stunt driving can immediately have their licence suspended and their vehicle impounded for seven days.
If convicted, they also face a fine of up to $10,000, a licence suspension for up to two years or six demerit points, along with possible jail time of up to six months.
The study, which was conducted in collaboration with Ontario's Ministry of Transportation, looked at data from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2011.
Lead researcher Evelyn Vingilis says the law is making a difference in the number of collisions, not just of convictions.
