Snowmobile safety campaign targets Nunavik’s young drivers

Snowmobiles line up at an event in Kangiqsualujjuaq. Accidents involving ATVS and snowmobiles are the main cause of injuries for Nunavimmiut under the age of 18. (FILE PHOTO)

In Nunavik, accidents involving off-highway vehicles are the main cause of injuries for Nunavimmiut under the age of 18.

That’s why a week-long campaign that kicks off Jan. 17 is set to target Nunavik’s young drivers.

Jan. 17 to Jan. 25 is International Snowmobile Safety Week. And in Nunavik’s 14 communities, local schools, youth centres and municipal offices have received safety posters and reflective stickers to hand out.

The campaign, coordinated by the Kativik Regional Government’s Off-Highway Vehicle On The Right Path program, aims to bring awareness to help drivers avoid dangerous driving behaviour.

The program’s coordinator, Marie-Ève Marchand, flags some of the biggest threats to snowmobile safety in Nunavik: the use of alcohol — drinking and driving, underage drivers, excessive number of passengers and not wearing a helmet.

“The biggest challenge is making sure the message gets out to all 14 communities,” Marchand said. “But I feel people are more aware, and more open to changing their habits.”

To help draw drivers’ attention, On The Right Path has launched a contest for Nunavimmiut youth to share their safe snowmobile driving practices throughout the region.

Youth aged 13 and up can take a selfie photo promoting safe driving and post it to the On The Right Path website for a chance to win one of five pairs of snowmobile gloves.

This year’s snowmobile safety campaign comes just days after a 22-year-old female passenger died after being ejected from the snowmobile she was riding on in the community of Puvirnituq.

The 24-year-old driver, the victim’s brother, was later charged with impaired driving.

Nunavimmiut can tune next week into Taqramiut Nipingat Inc. radio network for more information on snowmobile safety.