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Coroner calls for snowmachine laws

Nine recommendations in the wake of Fort Good Hope tragedy

Kevin Wilson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (May 16/01) - The Northwest Territories chief coroner is calling for mandatory helmet legislation and licensing for snowmobile drivers in the wake of an accident that killed three people in Fort Good Hope last October.

Percy Kinney released his report and recommendations to the Department of Transportation Monday at his Yellowknife office.

"(Snowmachines) have evolved," over the last 20 years says Kinney, adding that he thinks today's machines "are way more dangerous than all-terrain vehicles." ATV drivers are required by law to wear helmets and have a valid license.

Albert Lafferty, Jason Dean, and Kevin McNeely were killed when two snow machines collided at high speed in Fort Good Hope. Two female passengers were also injured in the collision.

According to Kinney's report, "a bottle of over-proof rum" was found at the scene. None of the victims were wearing helmets.

Currently, snowmachine regulations in the NWT vary from community to community. Kinney says he hopes the government will act on his recommendations.

Cpl. Mark Crowther, the RCMP's senior member in Fort Good Hope, said his detachment is "ecstatic" about Kinney's recommendations.

Crowther says that while he's heard that there is some resistance from hunters and trappers who use snowmachines on the land, "people also look at the very human issue of this tragedy," and are starting to wear helmets. He says that since the accident, helmet use has gone up from practically nil to "two or three out of every 10 people."

Asked directly if he thought the political will existed, Kinney said, "I think so and I hope so."

After last October's accident, Premier Stephen Kakfwi suggested the government might make helmet use mandatory for snowmachine riders.

Drew Williams, press officer for the territorial cabinet, said the government "will carefully consider the coroner's report," before making any comments.

Williams could not say when a comment would be forthcoming.

Recommendations

NWT Chief Coroner Percy Kinney has made nine recommendations to the Department of Transport in the wake of last October's snowmobiling tragedy in Fort Good Hope. They are:
  1. Implement legislation that will result in mandatory helmet use for operators and passengers throughout the NWT.
  2. Implement legislation which would require snowmobile registration on all snowmachines operated on roadways in the NWT.
  3. Limit snowmachine operation on NWT roads, streets, highways and municipalities to persons in possession of a valid drivers' licence or certificate from an approved snowmobile safety program.
  4. Require snowmachine operators and owners to adhere to any manufacturer's guidelines regarding number of riders per machine and/or age requirements of operators.
  5. Develop a comprehensive education and marketing campaign focusing on mandatory helmet use and other snowmobile safety issues and legislation to further develop public awareness of the concerns and affect change in attitude and behaviour.
  6. Develop an "assistance" plan for those with financial concerns who rely on snowmobile use for traditional or work related activities, to obtain helmets for their use while operating or riding a snowmobile.
  7. Require any owner or operator of snowmobile on roads, streets, highways or within municipalities to carry appropriate liability insurance.
  8. Allow municipalities to retain any funds or penalties collected through enforcement of any legislation regarding snowmobile use to assist communities in providing enhanced enforcement.