Inspections Make NWT Roads and Highways Safer During Brake Safety Week

YELLOWKNIFE (September 17, 2014) – Department of Transportation staff continued to ensure the safety of NWT roads and highways by conducting brake inspections in four communities last week.

“Safe driving is everyone’s responsibility, and all drivers need to keep their vehicles in safe operating condition,” said Minister of Transportation Tom Beaulieu. “If your brakes aren’t working, you are a hazard to yourself and to other drivers.”

Highway Transport Officers inspected 48 commercial vehicles in Hay River, Enterprise, Yellowknife and Behchoko during Brake Safety Week, September 7-13. Eight of those vehicles were found to need immediate repairs and were taken off the road.

“Safe travel is our top priority and it is especially important for our children as they go to school,” said Minister Beaulieu. “Our staff immediately put an increased focus on school bus safety and are helping to educate commercial vehicle operators to properly maintain their vehicles.”

Brake Safety Week is part of the Operation Airbrake program sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, an international not-for-profit organization with a mission to promote commercial motor vehicle safety and security. It supports the 17^th Assembly’s goal of keeping NWT communities sustainable, vibrant, and safe.

Media inquiries:

Megan Holsapple
Manager of Communications
Department of Transportation
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 873-7712
Cell: (867) 447-1368