A dozen impaired driving incidents in the NWT over the last month is prompting police to issue a sobering warning to drivers ahead of the long weekend.
NWT RCMP laid 12 impaired driving charges between April 13 and May 13, states a news release issued Friday.
Each driver was arrested and charged in various communities across the territory.
Police have highlighted three serious incidents on NWT roadways:
- Last last month, a Yellowknife man was seen “swerving across the road, braking erratically, slowing down and speeding up.” The driver was reported to police by a member of the public.
- In Aklavik in late April, a driver was busted driving with a blood alcohol content of over 200 mg, two-and-a-half times the legal limit of 80 mg.
- In Inuvik earlier this month, an intoxicated man “who could barely walk,” was seen getting in his vehicle and driving off.
“They chose to be behind the wheel, impaired,” a choice that “will have ripple effects on their lives,” state police.
“This May long weekend, NWT RCMP want you to enjoy time with family and friends – in a socially distant environment," continues the news release.
Police are encouraging residents to plan ahead and have a designated sober driver if alcohol or drugs are being consumed.
“While our officers will be doing their best to make the roads safer during the long weekend, we ask you to also look out for each other. Please do not hesitate to report a suspected impaired driver and help us keep our roads safe” states Cpl. Sam Munden of the NWT RCMP Traffic Services.
If the warning isn’t heeded, “possible mayhem,” could ensue over the long weekend.