Spring is upon us and as the weather warms, the driving conditions are changing on the highways throughout the East Kootenay.

As perceived road conditions have improved, police are seeing an increase in the speeds and in the number of reported aggressive driving complaints throughout the region.

According to RCMP Sgt. Don Erichsen of the East Kootenay Traffic Services (EKTS) unit, police officers are doing their part to protect public safety by being visible on the highways as much as possible and by taking enforcement action, where necessary, to remind motorists of their obligation to themselves, their families and others to make safety their first concern.

However, Erichsen points out that police officers cannot be everywhere, all of the time, and he would like to take this opportunity to remind remind everyone that the police will act upon complaints from citizens to address aggressive driving habits.

In situations where extreme driving behavior is observed, and a private citizen is concerned to the point that they are willing to:

Report the circumstances to police;
- provide a statement and;

Give of their time in order to return at a later date to provide evidence;

Police officers are able to act on that information in order to hold drivers and registered owner accountable for their aggressive driving habits.

Sgt. Erichsen encourages anyone who observes instances of aggressive and/or dangerous driving to record the date/time of the event, the location of the event including any landmarks, the licence plate number of the vehicle involved and, if possible, a description of the offending driver to the nearest police agency or detachment.

After providing a written statement and with a commitment to attend court at a later date if required, police will hold those who place the safety of themselves and other at risk to account.

Traffic and road safety is everyone’s responsibility!

RCMP – East Kootenay Traffic Services -
 Cranbrook

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