Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Jan 04/02) - Inuvik RCMP held numerous check stops over the holidays to check for traffic violations and remind drivers of their responsibilities.

"Driving is a privilege, it's not a right," Const. Vic Steinhammer said.

"With the driving comes responsibilities, and it's just making people aware of their responsibilities as a driver."

Steinhammer explained members hold check stops at various locations, and ask drivers to produce necessary documentation, like a driver's licence, registration and insurance.

Cpl. Tim Beland pointed out that members also watch for impaired drivers.

"During the holiday season, obviously there's usually an increase in drinking because of social gatherings and so on," Beland said.

Staff Sgt. Mark Wharton said Monday that six stop checks were held so far during the holiday season. One more was scheduled for Monday night.

In the first six checks, about 160 vehicles were checked, resulting in nine charges or traffic warnings. No one was charged with impaired driving.

Beland pointed out check stops are carried out throughout the year, and that a couple were done early in September once school began, to remind people of the speed limit and the fact that children were in school after the summer break.

He said the detachment received positive comments from drivers and council following the September check stops, and that people are generally quite receptive to them.

Steinhammer said he's noticed a difference among the public since September.

"A lot of the drivers we were stopping didn't carry any identification with them, or anything," he said.

"Now when we're stopping vehicles we're seeing a lot more drivers having everything there, ready to go."

Steinhammer pointed out that within the entire NWT there is a push for more traffic enforcement.

Beland said he's noticed more drivers wearing their seatbelts lately.

"To us it's noticeable because we're looking for that."