This month’s traffic safety blitz, held over the May long weekend, saw 50 motorists in the province charged with impaired driving, 27 temporary driver’s licence suspensions and 28 tickets for having liquor in a vehicle.
The blitz was held in conjunction with Canada Road Safety Week and was timely, as instances of impaired driving tend to increase on long weekends.
Throughout the weekend, more than 1,300 tickets were issued to Saskatchewan motorists, including more than 700 for aggressive driving (which includes speeding, failing to stop or yield, crossing a solid line, etc.), more than 120 for improper or non-seatbelt use and almost 60 for distracted driving or cellphone use while driving.
According to Staff Sergeant Gord Stewart, charges in the Broadview RCMP Detachment area were up from last year.
Broadview RCMP laid a total of 54 charges over the May long weekend. Those charges included: one roadside suspension; three Criminal Code drinking and driving charges; 12 seatbelts; one aggressive driving charge; six distracted driving charges; 15 speeding charges and 16 assorted charges.
Through the monthly traffic safety blitzes, SGI and law enforcement partners aim to raise awareness of various traffic safety issues in the province.
The ultimate goal is not to issue a certain amount of tickets, but to make our roads safer for all Saskatchewan motorists.
Agencies involved included rural and larger municipal services and the RCMP, among others.
Last month’s coordinated traffic safety blitz, Operation Hang Up, Buckle Up, resulted in more than 500 tickets for Saskatchewan motorists.
