Expect to see more traffic enforcement and check stops throughout the Territory during Operation Gingerbread, a month-long traffic enforcement operation targeting impaired drivers.
Over the next month, NT RCMP, along with other local enforcement partners, will be conducting traffic stops and roadside checkpoints with the aim of preventing impaired driving and ensuring compliance with the Motor Vehicle Act.
"Impaired driving is preventable but unfortunately, for some people it only becomes an issue when it affects them personally as a result of the loss of a loved one or someone gets severely injured in a crash" states Cpl. Sam Munden, NCO in charge of NT RCMP Traffic Services.
The operation was launched on the evening of November 30th in Yellowknife. On their first day, through five proactive traffic stops around Yellowknife, NT RCMP Traffic Services checked approximately 600 vehicles. A total of 9 tickets and 45 warnings for various offences were issued, including for not wearing a seatbelt, not carrying registration and/or proof of insurance and for non-operational headlights or brake lights.
NT RCMP Traffic Services will also increase enforcement and check stop operations on December 7th, which is National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day.
Northwest Territories RCMP Traffic Services would like to remind the public how dangerous operating a motor vehicle while impaired, be it alcohol or drugs, or a combination of both. Driving a motor vehicle while impaired is still the leading cause of criminal death in Canada. And in the North, this means operation of any vehicle, including all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles.
Anyone suspecting impaired driving is asked to call their local RCMP detachment, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 nwtnutips.com, (click on "submit a web tip") or text: "nwtnutips" plus your message to 274637.