Poster gives advice on hitchhiker safety

PRINCE GEORGE — The RCMP and the Native Women’s Association of Canada are going to distribute a poster that provides advice to improve hitchhikers’ safety, a major issue along the so-called Highway of Tears.

It does not encourage hitchhiking but is designed to highlight safety measures for individuals who do hitchhike, the two groups stressed in a statement.

“We know that sometimes women or youth will hitchhike: It may be the only travel option that they have at that moment,” NWAC president Michéle Audette said.

“We care for their wellbeing, and want to ensure they trust their instincts and practise the suggested safety measures.”

The poster depicts a young woman standing on the side of a remote gravel road with her thumb out and advises hitchhikers to let people know where they are going and when they arrive safely, to carry a mobile phone and identification at all times, to note the description of the driver and the vehicle, to only use heavily travelled roads and to alert police to any suspicious rides.

“The RCMP hopes that this poster will sensitize communities to further protect their young women,” RCMP assistance commissioner Janice Armstrong said. “This initiative speaks to the RCMP’s dedication to keeping individuals safe in communities throughout Canada.”

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council Chief Terry Teegee welcomed the initiative but also said it still falls short of establishing a shuttle bus system along Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert.

Teegee said a system similar to what he is seeking is up and running in the United States Pacific Northwest, “even though it’s quite remote, some of their communities.”

It was a top recommendation in the 2006 Highway of Tears Symposium report, which estimates seven buses would be required along the 724-kilometre stretch. The idea also won the backing of Missing Women Inquiry Commissioner Wally Oppal who called on the province to “immediately commit” to developing such a system.”