Hudson’s Hope RCMP responded to approximately 37 calls for service over the last four weeks. During the month of September, the Hudson’s Hope RCMP issued 58 Motor Vehicle Act warnings and violation tickets. Two impaired drivers were located and issued immediate roadside driving prohibitions for failing or refusing to provide breath samples. Two prohibited drivers were also stopped by police and charges were forwarded to Crown Counsel.
On September 23, 2018, Hudson’s Hope RCMP, along with local Fire and Rescue, responded to a collision report received through an Onstar collision activation. The RCMP eventually located the vehicle on a private property driveway, flipped onto its roof, and leaking diesel fuel from a tidy tank. The driver was located at a residence on that property and had suffered only minor injuries. The fuel spill was reported to the Ministry of Environment for further follow up regarding cleaning up the spill.
On September 28, 2018, Hudson’s Hope RCMP were conducting a check stop when a southbound vehicle failed to stop for police. The vehicle was eventually stopped at a local business parking lot and determined to be stolen out of Alberta. The driver was arrested for possession of marijuana and for possession of stolen property. Charges are being forwarded to Crown Counsel for approval.
On September 29, 2018, Hudson’s Hope RCMP conducted a check stop with North District Traffic Services resulting in two prohibited drivers being located and charged. One driver was also arrested for an outstanding warrant and one driver was found to be impaired by alcohol.
On October 7, 2018, Hudson’s Hope RCMP, local Fire and Rescue, and Provincial Ambulance Service were called out to a vehicle parked in the road with hazard lights activated. A male was unresponsive in the driver seat. Police were able to wake the driver who was subsequently detained for impaired driving. The driver refused to provide a breath sample and was issued a 90-day immediate roadside driving prohibition and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days. The driver was also arrested for failing to comply with prior release conditions of not to consume alcohol. A breach charge has been forwarded to Crown counsel for approval.
On October 17, 2018, Hudson’s Hope RCMP stopped a vehicle on Hwy 29. The vehicle had been reported stolen the previous day. The driver was arrested for taking the vehicle without the owner’s consent and for an outstanding warrant for their arrest. The driver was subsequently released to appear in court.
On October 18, 2018, Hudson’s Hope RCMP conducted a check stop on Hwy 29 and located a driver that was operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license. The driver was issued an Unlicensed Driving prohibition, a violation ticket for not having a license, and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days.
— Cst. William McKenna, Hudson’s Hope RCMP
Halloween Safety Tips
Costume safety:
• While kids (and adults!) may be focused on a costume that impresses friends, try to keep safety top of mind:
• Wear a light-coloured or bright costume, reflective tape or arm bands to heighten visibility.
• Make sure the costume that is properly fitted to reduce the chance of tripping on it.
• Select a costume that is constructed from flame-retardant materials.
• Make sure your vision is not restricted. Consider completing your costume with make-up not masks. Removing masks while walking from house to house will help you see vehicles and hazards.
• Shoes should fit properly even if they do not go well with a costume.
• Create a fun necklace with string and glow sticks to keep kids visible to cars. Or accessorize with a flashlight!
Pedestrian Safety (Hit the sidewalk):
• If parents can’t go with children, have another parent older sibling or babysitter go with them. Tell them to stay on the sidewalks
• Don't jaywalk. Use crosswalks whenever possible: Visit houses on one side of the street at a time and cross the street only at intersections or at marked crosswalks
Strangers:
• Stay on the outside: Never enter a house; only accept treats at the front door
Plan ahead (Make a plan):
• Parents should be aware of the route that their children plan to follow
• Ensure your child is wearing a watch or has a cell phone to meet the agreed-upon curfew.
Safety in Numbers:
• Older children trick-or-treating without an adult should walk in groups and stay together
Emergencies:
• Older children should know what to do to get in touch with you in case of an emergency.
• Make sure your child knows the places along his or her route where they can get help.
Fireworks:
• In many BC communities, the use of fireworks is strictly prohibited by law.
Bring your treats home:
• Save your treats. Wait until you get home before sampling your treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should check out all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
