More than 400 Saskatchewan drivers cited for speeding in school zones last month: SGI

Police in Saskatchewan issued a total of 449 tickets during Saskatchewan Government Insurance’s (SGI) traffic safety spotlight on school zone safety in September.

The vast majority of the tickets were for drivers speeding in school zones – 439 tickets for drivers speeding in school zones (tickets issued by police officers; there were also 1,542 photo speed enforcement tickets issued in school zones in September). In addition, police also issued seven tickets for drivers failing to yield to pedestrians in an intersection or crosswalk; one ticket to a pedestrian walking into the path of a vehicle; two tickets for drivers not obeying school bus safety lights.

SGI noted in a press release that the posted speed limit in school zones can vary by municipality. Fines for speeding in a school zone start at $140, and increase for every kilometre per hour over the limit.

Outside of school zones, police also reported the following offences as part of the monthly traffic safety spotlight:

• 277 impaired-driving related offences (including 268 Criminal Code of Canada charges);
• 549 tickets for distracted driving (417 of those for using a cellphone while driving);
• 392 tickets for inappropriate or no seatbelt/child safety seat; and
• 4,445 speeding tickets.

SGI reminded motorists that it is important to be extra alert in school zones all year round, particularly as winter approaches and it becomes difficult to stop quickly on icy roads.

Last year, 13 people were injured in the province and two were killed in school zone collisions, SGI reported.

Throughout November, police will be on the lookout for suspended drivers and unregistered vehicles.