Grand Forks RCMP release monthly report, winter driving tips
By Boundary Sentinel
Grand Forks RCMP witnessed a dramatic reduction in their fall work load compared to the summer increase.
In a media release, Grand Forks RCMP said statistical data is being released to highlight the difference between the summer months and the start of fall.
- From September 1 to October 31, 2021, Grand Forks officers attended to 503 calls for service. 427 were in Grand Forks while 76 came from the Christina Lake area. These numbers are very close to the same time frame in 2020 where officers attended to 529 calls for service with 452 being in Grand Forks and 77 out at the lake, a difference of about 5%.
- Compared to the summer months, from July 1 to August 31, 2021, officers attended to 723 calls for service with 581 in town and 142 out at the lake, which translates to about a 30 % difference in call volume.
- Over the time span of September 1 to October 31, 2021, local officers attended to the following calls: Theft of Bike – 5; Theft Under $5000 – 9; Check Well-Being – 23; Assaults – 9; Break and Enter to a Residence – 2; Break and Enter to a Business – 1; Insecure Premises – 2; Mischief – 18; Cause a Disturbance – 2; and Suspicious Person/Vehicle – 64.
“Its a nice bit of relief to go from the traditional busier summer months to a quieter fall,” says Grand Forks RCMP Detachment Commander Sergeant Darryl Peppler.
In the following months, we will likely see another decline in our call volume as the weather gets colder.
With colder, winter weather coming, there could be an increase in motor vehicle accidents. Some tips for motorists to ensure you get to where you are going safely, include:
- Ensure you have good winter tires on
- Make sure you brush off all the snow and scrape off all the ice before driving
- Don’t tailgate other drivers as your stopping time takes much longer on snowy and icy roads
- Slow down
- Brake before making turns and avoid if possible accelerating in a turn
- Make sure your lights are on so you can be seen by other motorists
- Allow for extra travelling time or delay a trip if the weather is inclement
- Pay extra attention and be more alert
Police also recommend that you have the following for your vehicle for any trips you might have to make. Keep a bundle of cold-weather gear in your car such as extra food and water, warm clothing, flashlight, glass scraper and shovel, blankets, medications, fully charged cell phone and charger, and more.
Try and avoid having less than half a tank of gas in your car, and before a trip, fill your tank up.
Let someone know when you are leaving, what route you are taking, and when you expect to arrive.
If you are delayed, let them know.
