LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Residents out for an evening stroll in Fort Simpson will be easier to spot thanks to a new RCMP initiative.

John Ivey, left, the Village of Fort Simpson's senior administrative officer and Const. Glen Cameron display the two styles of reflective armbands that were purchased through an RCMP initiative the village funded. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Reflective arm bands have been distributed at various locations throughout Fort Simpson as part of an initiative to distribute reflective armbands to walkers.

The program was formed in response to both community concerns and to the death of a Trout Lake resident who was killed after being hit by a truck while walking on Highway 1 near Nogha Heights in February 2009,

The Fort Simpson RCMP detachment used approximately $1,250 donated by the Village of Fort Simpson to purchase 200 bands in two different styles. The initiative, which works on the honour system, allows residents to get an armband from the Health Centre, the Nahanni Inn Bar, the Ice Breaker Lounge, the village office or the RCMP detachment and return it when they no longer need it.

Const. Glen Cameron, who's overseeing the program, said it is hoped the armbands will prevent fatalities.

"Even we've had close calls," Cameron said.

While patrolling at night Cameron said he often sees pedestrians, usually dressed in black, walking on the highway near either the snye or on top of the hill.

"It's hard to see them until you're right on top of them," he said.

The armbands, which catch the light from headlights, will give drivers a few more seconds to react so they can apply their brakes, Cameron said.

In addition to being available around the community, the RCMP have also been giving armbands to people who spent the night in the cells, Cameron said.

The armbands have proven to be popular.

"It's just an all around positive response," he said.

The supply at the Health Centre was almost depleted the day after they were made available. The village office only has 10 of its 30 bands left.

John Ivey, the village's senior administrative officer, said he's seen the bands on residents who are walking at night.

"It raises awareness in the community," he said.

When drivers see people wearing the bands hopefully they will be reminded to drive slower, he said.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.