“May 13 marked the beginning of Canada Road Safety Week. This year, the initiative will run until May 19, encompassing the Victoria Day weekend and National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day on May 17,” annoucned the RCMP in a statement released today.
Cst. Josh Seaward of the N.W.T. RCMP took time to speak with True North FM about Canada Road Safety Week
As part of the initiative N.W.T. RCMP officers will be “ramping up” traffic enforcement and members of the public can expect to see an increased presence of RCMP officers out and about on highways. People can also expect more frequent check stops.
Cst. Seaward said that officers are mainly looking for the general public to keep up with “good safe driving behaviour” which encompasses many driving practices like being mindful of speed limits and paying attention to the road.
Cst. Seaward explained that police will looking out for “impaired driving of all types” which includes distracted driving, aggressive driving behaviors and seatbelt violations.
“We see all of these behaviours in concerning amounts, it’s not difficult to walk out and stand on the sidewalk and watch people drive by texting on their phones. We see impaired driving collisions every year, we see impaired driving charges being laid, and vast numbers across the country,” said Cst. Seaward.
The RCMP issued an announcement reminding the public that all drivers can be subjected to Mandatory Alcohol Screening if stopped by police and to be prepared to provide breath samples if pulled over. The RCMP also warned that officers also have the ability to detect drug impaired driving.
The RCMP are asking the public to report dangerous or suspected impaired drivers by pulling over and calling 911 or your local police detachment.
The RCMP urged anyone planning to consume alcohol or drugs to plan a safe ride home.
In the city of Yellowknife there are currently resources available to help anyone in need of a safe ride.
Tammy Roberts, executive director of Home Base YK, recently spoke with True North FM about a program that offers safe rides.
Their Line Drive outreach program offers safe transportation and a sobering centre to anyone over the age of 12.
Anyone who would like support and information can call Home Base YK at (867) 446-7233 (SAFE).
“The hours will be 17 hours a day, seven days a week so from 10 a.m. until 3 a.m. each day. We’ll have a vehicle going around with two workers in it,” Roberts told True North FM.
“Sometimes people might not feel comfortable staying with somebody that’s in need of a safe ride. So this way our street people that are out walking can assist and call for a ride,” explained Roberts.
