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UNSAFE DRIVERS DETECTED – Carmacks RCMP conducted traffic enforcement along the North Klondike Highway last Friday, and say too many drivers are speeding – putting themselves and other motorists at serious risk. Photo courtesy RCMP
Carmacks RCMP have noticed what they term “an alarming trend in terms of speeding” on the snowy North Klondike Highway.
Carmacks RCMP have noticed what they term “an alarming trend in terms of speeding” on the snowy North Klondike Highway.
Last Friday, while conducting traffic enforcement along the highway, officers had a first-hand look at the problem.
“Even with the winter road conditions that are now fully entrenched in the area, Carmacks RCMP issued seven tickets for speeding offences throughout the afternoon, in addition to just as many verbal warnings for the same offence in the area,” police said Tuesday.”
One person was stopped for driving in excess of 50 kilometres per hour over the posted limit.
“Speed continues to be one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes and fatalities on our roads and highways. The winter conditions increase this risk even more,” said Const. Timothy Heighington of the Carmacks RCMP.
Posted speed limits on Yukon roadways are maximum speeds during ideal conditions (dry roads, clear visibility).
Vehicle type, condition and whether you’re towing anything can also affect the speed at which you should travel.
“Drivers who exceed the speed limit are putting the lives of all those who share the roads at extreme risk,” police said.
They advise you to know your vehicle limitations as well, and always think safety first.
“Just slowing down could save your life, or someone else’s,” police said.
“You have more time to react should you need to stop suddenly, especially in these wintry conditions.”
Carmacks detachment personnel continue to monitor and conduct enforcement activity in the area.
On a positive note, as noted by Heighington, “I checked tires at every traffic stop I conducted, and all were found to be rated for the winter weather.”
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Comments (5)
Up 2 Down 4
Woodcutter on Nov 20, 2020 at 5:32 pm
Police discover unsafe driving practices? Lol ... am I the only one wondering what they teach them in cop school?
Up 2 Down 5
To Dave on Nov 20, 2020 at 8:34 am
Dave, my experience in totally different. I've lived in the Yukon 30+ years and have spent much time on the highways. I remember a police officer speeding maybe once.
Up 16 Down 5
Denis on Nov 18, 2020 at 10:33 am
Congratulations Carmacks Det. We absolutely need more of this positive enforcement throughout YT., including cell phone misuse, If I was NCO I/C this enforcement would be daily in 1 of the 3 directions from Carmacks.
Up 21 Down 11
Dave on Nov 17, 2020 at 3:46 pm
The RCMP are some of the fastest speeders on the outlying highways and that’s a fact. Who polices the police who drive as fast as they want to on any given day? Most the time they don’t issue speeding tickets on rural highways because its pretty hard to justify pulling a member of the public over for driving at the same speed or slower than the police vehicle was travelling. How many people out there have been driving 10 kmh over the posted speed limit and had an RCMP vehicle come out of nowhere from behind you and pull out and pass? That’s happened to me more times than I can count. When no emergency lights or sirens on - you cops better start practicing what you preach.
Up 13 Down 0
zelmo on Nov 17, 2020 at 3:05 pm
The speeding has been going on all summer with the lighter traffic. Driving the highway regularly it was very noticeable.