SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The results of a spring road safety blitz show Yellowknifers aren't wearing their seatbelts, and that has police concerned.

As part of Canada Road Safety Week, RCMP and municipal enforcement increased their presence on the streets May 12 to 18 through checkstops and talks in schools. More than 250 tickets were issued in the NWT.

RCMP and municipal enforcement teamed up from May 12 to 18 and increased their presence on streets across the territory to raise awareness of safe driving. - Herb Mathisen/NNSL photo

Const. David Chamberlain said he was alarmed by the number of seatbelt violations – 169 – over the course of the week. In Yellowknife alone, municipal enforcement wrote 139 tickets for seatbelt infractions over those seven days.

"We had, what I thought, was a surprisingly high amount of seatbelt infractions," he said.

Chamberlain said the results will lead to increased promotion of seatbelt safety.

"I think obviously we are going to have to work a little more on the educational campaign, promote the safety of seatbelts," he said.

Chamberlain emphasized the importance of seatbelts, adding the failure to use the devices are the single biggest cause of death in motor vehicle collisions.

Law enforcement also issued 77 tickets for aggressive driving, which includes speeding, tailgating, stunting and careless driving.

Chamberlain said national road safety week, held during the first long weekend of the summer, serves many purposes.

"Basically during the road safety week, we are tyring to raise awareness," he said, adding the increased presence is also intended to crack down on impaired drivers.

Municipal enforcement issued 32 aggressive driving tickets and suspended two licences in Yellowknife.

The results from Canada Road Safety Week will be used by local law enforcement to identify certain areas to conduct further crackdowns, with Chamberlain adding another ramped up effort will take place around Thanksgiving.

Chamberlain said the numbers of violations recorded in the NWT over the safety week were predictably higher, due to the increased presence of officers.