Right on red sting nets 13 offenders

Despite a Facebook warning Thursday, police issued a total of 18 tickets during a three-hour red light check stop Friday.

On April 7, Yorkton Municipal RCMP Traffic Services posted officers would be performing the check stop between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. April 8 at the intersection of Gladstone Avenue and Smith Street looking for people making illegal right turns. It is prohibited at that corner to turn right on a red light because of the train tracks.

Officers handed out 13 citations for making a right turn on a red light where prohibited by a sign.

They also issued three tickets for speeding, and one each for failing to stop at a red light and driving to the left of a solid centre line.

The activity was part of SGI’s monthly traffic blitz, which for April is focused on the safety of vulnerable road users.

“Vulnerable road users—motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians—are at a higher risk of injury in a collision than people in passenger vehicles (due to the lack of occupant protection),” stated a press release from the provincial insurer. “In 2014, 18 pedestrians, two bicyclists and three motorcyclists were killed in collisions in Saskatchewan, and 593 more were injured.”

While vulnerable users frequently enjoy right of way, motorists often simply do not see them and in a collision, it is the pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist, who is more likely to wind up on the losing end. The Yorkton municipal RCMP shared the following tips for vulnerable users: stay alert, ride, bike and walk with caution; walk on sidewalks, cross at marked crosswalks and obey walk/don’t walk signals; make eye contact with the driver before crossing; be visible, wear bright, reflective clothing so others can see you; always wear a helmet and any required gear.

That, of course, does not lessen motorists’ responsibility.

“Drivers should be alert for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and share the road,” SGI stated. “Drivers should look, then look again to make sure it’s safe to go.”

The campaign is being supplemented on Twitter with the hashtags #sharetheroad and #wecandrivebetter.

“Now that spring is here, please be on the lookout for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists and be cautious and courteous as you share the road,” said Earl Cameron, vice president of the Auto Fund. “For those vulnerable road users, remember that your smaller size makes you harder for vehicles to see, so walk and ride with care.”