The RCMP said that they will begin their ride checks holiday campaign soon and plan to issue an announcement in the coming weeks. With winter officially here in the N.W.T. the department of Infrastructure just issued an advisory reminding residents to practice safe driving especially as the holiday season begins. Some community resources like Line Drive outreach program in the Yellowknife area continue to offer safe transportation.
The department of Infrastructure is advising drivers to plan ahead for a safe ride and “take the pledge” by not using substances that can impair driving while behind the wheel.
Cst. Josh Seaward said “Operation Gingerbread” takes place over the holiday season in the territory.
RCMP shared some of the stats that were available from a previous campaign a few years ago in the N.W.T.
In 2022, 90 tickets were issued and 380 warnings from 133 checkpoints in the N.W.T. Nearly 2,000 vehicles were checked in the 2022 campaign which led to officers issuing 26 impaired driving charges and 5 drug impaired charges to drivers.
Officers also issued 12 24-hour suspensions, 20 90-day suspensions and 4 prohibited driving charges.
Its about more than driving sober, “good safe driving behaviour” is about a number driving practices like being mindful of speed limits and paying attention to the road.
Cst. Seaward explained that police look 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.
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, says 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 said.
“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.
