Watson Lake RCMP issue dozens of speeding tickets during Canada Road Safety Week

May 28, 2026 - Watson Lake, Yukon
From: Yukon RCMP

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Watson Lake RCMP issued 46 speeding tickets during this year’s Canada Road Safety Week, including one driver stopped travelling at 114 km/h in a posted 50 km/h zone on the Alaska Highway.

On May 17, 2026, at approximately 1:22 p.m., officers conducting patrols stopped the westbound vehicle. In Yukon, exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h carries a fine of $575.

Between May 12 and 19, RCMP officers across the Yukon conducted more than 360 hours of enforcement, checked 578 vehicles, and established 18 checkpoints as part of the national campaign.

Enforcement efforts resulted in:

• 6 Criminal Code charges for impaired driving
• 3 roadside suspensions related to alcohol and/or drug impairment
• 69 summary offence tickets or warnings, including:
• 61 for aggressive driving 
• 8 for seatbelt violations

In Watson Lake, police say aggressive driving remains a significant concern. During the campaign, officers recorded vehicles travelling between 90 km/h and 114 km/h in posted 50 km/h residential zones along the Alaska Highway.

“Speeding places our community members at risk, especially children who frequently walk alongside highways or play near them,” said Sgt. Jordan Cropper, Detachment Commander of Watson Lake RCMP.

Officers noted that many drivers cited incorrect speed information from navigation apps such as Google Maps, despite clearly posted signage and electronic speed display signs within the community.

Canada Road Safety Week is a seven-day national campaign led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. This year’s theme, “Every Road, Every Day, Everyone,” highlights the shared responsibility all road users have in keeping communities safe.

Throughout the week, RCMP general duty officers and Traffic Services increased their presence on highways and in communities, conducting checkpoints and engaging directly with drivers to promote safe driving practices.

While Canada Road Safety Week places a spotlight on road safety, Yukon RCMP emphasize that enforcement and education continue year-round.

Drivers are reminded that:

• Speed limits must be obeyed at all times
• Drivers must always remain sober and attentive
• Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants
• Aggressive and distracted driving significantly increase the risk of serious injury or death

“Every decision behind the wheel matters,” said Sgt. Cropper. “Our officers see firsthand how quickly a moment of poor judgment can change lives. We will continue to be on Yukon roads every day, working to keep our communities safe.”