The RCMP has announced that their G Division is launching Operation Gingerbread, a month-long traffic safety initiative targeted at reducing impaired driving and keeping roadways safe.
Officers are encouraging anyone who travels to be cautious and take steps to stay safe, by arranging safe rides and avoiding impaired driving.
“With holiday gatherings, parties and increased travel, December is one of the highest-risk months for impaired driving. Operation Gingerbread will bring enhanced patrols, targeted enforcement and proactive roadside check stops across the Territory,” said police in an announcement issued today.
The launch of Operation Gingerbread aligns with an annual day focused on preventing driving under the influence of alcohol.
“This campaign aligns with National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day, taking place this year on December 6th, and highlights the use of Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) during traffic enforcement,” said officers.
“Mandatory Alcohol Screening is an important tool that allows police officers to check drivers for alcohol impairment quickly and consistently by means of a roadside breath sample. All drivers are subject to this screening during lawful traffic stops. Refusal to provide a breath sample will result in arrest and a criminal charge carrying the same penalty as impaired driving,” added police.
RCMP cautioned that impaired driving is a remains a major safety concern on the roadways throughout the year.
“Impaired driving remains one of the leading criminal causes of death in Canada and is entirely preventable. The RCMP urges Northerners to plan ahead this year and make responsible choices while enjoying the holidays!”
The GNWT just released a series of reports comparing trends in road safety, traffic and transportation infrastructure the territory with their latest data collected in 2024.
The reports shows that a record high of 43,164 vehicles were registered in the NWT by December 2024.
There were a total of 532 reported collisions in 2024, an increase of about 30 per cent compared to the previous year.
The report found that most collisions happened during the winter months between Nov. to March.
Data showed that driver error was the most frequently sited factor in collision records, contributing to 71 per cent of incidents, while environmental factors were sited in 4 per cent of incidents.
Cst. Josh Seaward has said that officers will be looking out for “impaired driving of all types” which includes distracted driving, aggressive driving behaviors and seatbelt violations.
Its about more than driving sober, “good safe driving behaviour” is about a number of driving practices that involve being mindful of things like speed limits and just paying attention to the road.
“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 some urban hubs like Yellowknife there are currently some 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).
