Police across the country will run “Operation Impact” beginning Friday through Thanksgiving Monday. Officers say the awareness and enforcement campaign targets the main causes of death and injury on roadways – impaired driving, aggressive and distracted driving.
“The vast majority of collisions are not “accidents” but rather the result of a decision made by a driver,” said police.
N.W.T. RCMP said the public can expect to see an increased police presence and more frequent check stops on roadways as officers will be out in communities and on highways, actively monitoring traffic safety.
The initiative also focuses on the use of seatbelts and child car seats.
“Police will also be on the lookout for motor vehicle equipment violations that pose hazards,” said the N.W.T. RCMP in their announcement today.
Officers said traffic stops and monitoring may include screening.
“Motorists are reminded that any traffic stop can involve mandatory alcohol screening, in which drivers will be required to provide a breath sample to police.”
A recent study conducted in 2023 in the territory looked at severe collisions which were found to have been caused by human conditions such as illness, fatigue and driver impairment. Data collected showed that over 92 per cent of these types of collisions in the territory in 2022 were caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol.
