Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
RCMP NL Traffic Services were out in full force during Canada Road Safety Week (May 13 – 19) and over the May long weekend. Police officers across the province conducted check points and traffic stops and issued tickets for speeding, failing to comply with the move over law, driving while suspended, and various other offenses.
On May 16, during a joint speed enforcement initiative with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, RCMP Traffic Services East stopped two motorists at the same time traveling on the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) near Thomas Pond at speeds in excess of 160 km/h. The two drivers were ticketed for excessive speeding and received licence suspensions, and both vehicles were seized and impounded.
During this joint enforcement effort, more than 50 tickets were issued for various offences, most of which included speeding. The two police forces continued to work together on Monday, May 19, and conducted speed enforcement both on the TCH and on the Team Gushue Highway in St. John’s. More than 50 tickets were issued. RCMP Traffic Services East also conducted stops throughout the region during the week, issuing tickets for various offences.
RCMP Traffic Services Central conducted two checkpoints where approximately 140 vehicles were checked. Officers were happy to report that none of these motorists were driving while impaired. During traffic stops conducted over the course of Canada Road Safety Week, 108 tickets were issued for various traffic violations, most of which included speeding. Two motorists were stopped and ticketed for traveling in excess of 151 km/h on the TCH. Both received licence suspensions and vehicle seizures. Five motorists were ticketed for failing to comply with the move over law while police were stopped roadside conducting their work. One motorist found driving while suspended was ticketed and the vehicle was seized and impounded.
RCMP Traffic Services West conducted a number of checkpoints throughout the region, checking over 480 drivers were checked with no impaired drivers detected. During the week, RCMP Traffic Services West also focused on offroad vehicle use. Three operators of side-by-sides were ticketed for not wearing a helmet. The operator of another offroad vehicle was stopped near Bonne Bay Pond and showed signs of alcohol impairment. A roadside breath test determined that the operator had a blood alcohol concentration above the provincial limit. That individual received a licence suspension and the offroad vehicle was seized.
Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility. Drivers are encouraged to follow the rules of the road, including posted speed limits, moving over for emergency vehicles and choosing to drive safe and sober. Those who drive aggressively or while impaired place themselves and all others who share the road at unnecessary risk of serious injury or death.
If you suspect someone is driving while impaired or in a dangerous manner, please immediately call your local police detachment or 911.