Police target cell phones

SGI and law enforcement agencies are continuing to crack down on cell phone use with another traffic blitz yesterday and today.

Last year, distracted driving, the most common cause of which is talking or texting on a cell phone, surpassed drinking and driving as the number one cause of injury and death on Saskatchewan roads.

For that reason, the provincial insurer and police have run Operation Hang Up, Buckle Up four times so far this year as their monthly road safety awareness program.

Normally the monthly blitz takes place over a weekend, but today is National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims.

"It's fitting Operation Hang Up, Buckle Up takes place at this time, since not wearing a seatbelt and distracted driving, which includes cell phone use are two of the top contributing factors in traffic fatalities in Saskatchewan," said Andrew Cartmell, SGI president and CEO.

According to preliminary statistics for 2012, improper or non-seatbelt use contributed to 47 deaths and 274 injuries. Distracted driving was a factor in 60 deaths and more than 2,200 injuries.

And quite aside from the danger, it's not cheap when you get caught. Using your phone when driving will cost you $280 and for points on your licence, which, depending on your driving record could cost even more in lost discounts or financial penalties.

For failing to wear a seatbelt the fine is $175 plus the loss of three points.

The last time Operation Hang Up, Buckle Up ran, in June, police handed out 412 tickets including 30 for cell phone violations and 95 for seatbelt violations.