For the seventh year in a row, Vikingtreffet was held on the slopes of Golsfjellet. Safedrive was present all weekend to observe and participate in fun and games with small and large vehicles.
After a January with a log full of worrying reports of reckless driving, the police are fed up. Now, they are taking action in the hope of curbing uncivil behavior.
Following a winter marked by reckless driving incidents involving young drivers, measures are being taken. Andreas Kroglund Rian, leader of NMK Namdal, police contact Åge Ivar Dille and CEO of Safedrive, Magnus Wester, are inviting drivers to Raabakken on Saturday, February 6th, to engage in organized, track-based driving activities. Photo: Bjørn Tore Ness
– We've had an awful lot of cases of skidding, drifting, and reckless driving on public roads lately. We have numerous reports in our log about skidding and careless driving, and many verbal warnings have been issued, says Åge Ivar Dille, who is the police contact in Overhalla and Høylandet.
He describes the issue of reckless driving as more significant this year than usual.
- It's been a massive problem this winter, especially since entertainment venues have been closed, and the youth have had few activity options due to the pandemic, says Dille.
He points out that the Road Traffic Act is interpreted strictly.
– The police will always work to ensure safety for all road users. This means that roads and parking lots will never be accepted as playgrounds for cars and ATVs,, he states.
Therefore, the police in Namsos have initiated a new offer where enthusiastic young drivers can channel their passion for speed without breaking the law.
– One of the police's tasks is to facilitate and prevent. That's why I approached NMK Namdal, which has organized registered car driving on the track for many years. I asked if they could provide the track so that drivers can test their limits in an organized way on a track. Here, it's allowed to skid and play within a safe environment, says the police contact.
Andreas Kroglund Rian in NMK Namdal appreciates the police's initiative.
– Traffic safety work is one of the club's most important focus areas. We've provided track driving during the winter before. When Åge Ivar contacted me last week, I didn't hesitate to accept. Crews have already started clearing the track before the track driving begins on Saturday, February 6th. Now we hope that drivers will come to Raabakken. It's free and open to all registered car drivers, says Rian, emphasizing that participants must use their own vehicles.
He appreciates the initiative to bring high-speed driving and car play into legal forms.
– The fact that the police engage with youth in an arena like this is very positive, says Rian.
TRAFFIC SAFETY: Andreas Kroglund Rian, Åge Ivar Dille and Magnus Wester are all concerned about road safety, and believe that an offer of legal driving on the track could slow curb irresponsible driving on the roads. Photo: Bjørn Tore Ness
Magnus Wester, CEO of Safedrive in Namsos, praises the initiative.
– When the police take such an initiative, we support it. It's very positive that the police, especially in a time with few activities and offerings for youth, create such an opportunity. It's preventive, allowing young drivers to practice and become familiar with vehicles on a track. Here, they can unleash and have some fun within safe boundaries, Wester adds.
He states that the company will cover the costs, and more.
– We want the club to have some funds left when they step up as organizers, and when so many from the club volunteer, he says, and continues:
– We cover the entire event and ensure that participants get the offer for free. But the condition is that drivers commit to staying in control on public roads and instead have fun with their cars here at the stadium.
Wester hopes that the first event in Raabakken is the beginning of what could become a regular offering every winter.
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