Yellowknife (Aug 27/03) - The number of car accidents in Yellowknife is on the rise according to statistics provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

There were 324 accidents in April, May and June of this year, an 11 per cent increase over the same period last year.

The number of people injured in crashes also jumped 42 per cent this spring, from eight to 14. The 2003 total includes one death, while there were no fatalities in 2002.

Despite the increases, RCMP Insp. Paul Richards said people shouldn't worry about driving in the city.

"It's no more dangerous than previous years," he said.

"It's normal for there to be annual (fluctuations) in the number of accidents."

Richards said that while the number of accidents increased in the spring of 2003, the total number of driving offences -- which covers everything from speeding to the dangerous operation of a car causing death-- dropped from 135 to 111.

But despite efforts to curb drinking and driving, 44 people were charged with driving under the influence in April, May and June of this year, compared to 39 last year.

"One of the most important things people can do to prevent car accidents is to not drink and drive," said Richards.

Richards said RCMP officers are putting extra effort into monitoring areas that are frequent trouble spots.

"We regularly patrol areas of concern like the Ingraham Trail," he said.

But Richards said there's only so much the RCMP can do to prevent car accidents. Ultimately, the responsibility rests with drivers.

"People should remember to drive defensively, watch for pedestrians ... and use caution when driving a vehicle," he said.