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Saskatchewan police caught 245 distracted drivers in February, SGI says


March 20, 2015   by Canadian Underwriter


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Police in Saskatchewan caught 245 distracted drivers last month, showed statistics released Friday by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI).

SGI reported 1,072 offences for speeding or aggressive driving

February’s traffic safety focus on distracted driving saw police issue 245 tickets. Driving while using a cellphone accounted for 184 of those tickets and also resulted in two vehicle seizures, SGI reported in a press release.

In addition, there were also:

• 1,072 offences for speeding/aggressive driving;

• 397 tickets for failing to stop at a red light or stop sign;

• 301 occupant restraint violations (for people not using a seatbelt/car seat/booster seat); and

• 75 impaired driving-related offences.

SGI reminded motorists to focus on the task of driving while behind the wheel. “The only multi-tasking required in the driver’s seat is for things that relate to driving, for example scanning mirrors, looking ahead for hazards and paying attention to your surroundings,” SGI said in the press release. “If you must send a text or take a call, pull over safely to the side of the road before doing so.”

Related: Three-month warning period for photo speed enforcement ending: SGI

SGI reported on its website that a study from Virginia Tech Transportation about cellphone distraction while driving reported that drivers who are texting are 23 times more likely to be in a collision than those who don’t. Talking on a cellphone makes the driver three to six times more likely to be in a collision.

In Saskatchewan, the penalty for using a cellphone while driving is $280 (which includes a victims’ surcharge of $60) and four demerit points under the Safety Driver Recognition and the Driver Improvement Program.

Throughout March, law enforcement continues to focus on occupant safety, including car seats, booster seats and seatbelts.


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