North Cariboo Emergency Services personnel, under the command of RCMP Const. Rob Marshall of the Prince George Regional Traffic Services, held a check stop in front of the Quesnel Museum on Nov. 24.
Quesnel RCMP Cpl. Kurt Banse says the Third Annual Shift Into Winter campaign was a huge success.
“Normally when we’re out there doing check stops, we’re looking for drinking and driving and all that kind of stuff, but this is something a little different.
“Basically, what we’re doing is supporting ICBC and other community partners with the Shift Into Winter program and we’re getting people’s driving habits ready for winter.”
He notes the message is to slow down, take a little longer to get where you’re going and make sure you have winter tires on your vehicle.
“Up here you also have to make sure you have a clean windshields and headlights, so you can see where you are going.”
Banse says Shift Into Winter is done in conjunction with the ICBC, area fire crews, ambulance services, Quesnel Highway Rescue and CNR – all of the groups that have a vested interest in driving safety.
He adds it’s not an enforcement check stop as much as it is bringing that safety message to the forefront.
“We give out goodie bags, which surprises people. All the agencies that are involved in the program donate various items. We had ice scrapers … and ICBC was giving out jugs of washer fluid.”
Banse notes it’s a bit of a switch from the common enforcement strategy.
“A lot of people are surprised when they come through and they get a smile, goodie bag a friendly winter driving message. We get nothing but a good response.”
Some 426 vehicles were counted going through the check stop in a 30-minute period.