Kahnawake stops for safety
Around half the number of tickets were handed out during this year’s May Kahnawake Stop operation than last year. Courtesy Kahnawake Peacekeepers
May Kahnawake Stop saw fewer tickets handed out this year than last, with representatives from the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) joining Peacekeepers on the road to promote safe driving.
“Year round, people need to be aware and safe, not just during May Kahnawake Stop. But it was a success, we’ll be back next year, and it looks like it’s always going to continue,” said Timmy Norton, who founded the initiative back in 2014.
The day saw Peacekeepers ensure all drivers came to a full and complete stop at stop signs, and extra vigilance for speeding around the community.
A total of 11 traffic stops were made by Peacekeepers and six tickets issued, down from last year’s numbers of 19 stops and 14 tickets.
“These totals show that more people were aware of the operation, and adjusted their driving behaviours,” said Peacekeepers spokesperson Kyle Zachary.
MCK chief Jeremiah Johnson was one of the Council chiefs present for the day, helping with promoting traffic safety on the roads throughout last Friday.
“I think May Kahnawake Stop is an excellent grassroots initiative,” Johnson said. “As an elected representative and a community member, I will always support initiatives that aim to make our streets and our community safer.”
Norton was glad to see Council chiefs out supporting the cause.
“It’s really, really good. I’m really glad they responded in that way,” he said. “They’re out there, and we’re seeing that they care about the community, and that’s great.”
He said he’s glad that the day has promoted awareness of safe driving, and that he’s hopeful it’ll be at the top of people’s minds as the summer months approach, when schools will no longer be in session and more children may be playing in the streets.
“They’re excited to be out, they’re excited to be on their bikes, they’re walking. There’s already lots in the afternoons when they get out of school, but soon they’re going to be out and about all day,” Norton said.
“We have to continue to be careful of that and watch our kids on the road, because you don’t know if they’re going to suddenly dart out. We have to always be aware and careful when we’re driving.”
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