Traffic crackdown

Traffic enforcement officers in Saskatchewan will be cracking down on aggressive driving on March 14 and 15 as part of a coordinated traffic safety blitz.

Aggressive driving includes speeding or driving too fast for road conditions, running red lights or failing to stop at stop signs, stunting, passing to the right on a highway, or racing.

"A significant number of collisions happen on Saskatchewan roads each year as a result of aggressive driving," said Andrew Cartmell, President and CEO of SGI. "With today's hectic schedules, we're often in a rush behind the wheel. This blitz will remind motorists to give themselves enough time to get where they're going to prevent anxiety or frustration that could affect their driving."

On average, there are more than 4,100 collisions on Saskatchewan roads each year as a result of aggressive driving, resulting in more than 1,600 injuries and nearly 60 deaths.

"Street racing and stunting are two particularly dangerous types of aggressive driving," said Chief Troy Hagen, President of the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police. "At their worst they can be fatal; in lesser degrees they can result in injury, property damage, noise and neighbourhood disruption. These are all outcomes that could be avoided if drivers are careful and considerate."

Operation March Madness is the fourth province-wide coordinated traffic safety blitz, following Operation Handsfree, Operation Overdrive and Operation Crossroads. Each has been successful in raising awareness about safe driving practices.

The last traffic safety blitz, Operation Crossroads, resulted in 339 people being charged with traffic violations at intersections.

About SGI

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is the province's self-sustaining auto insurance fund. SGI operates 21 claims centres and five salvage centres across Saskatchewan with a head office in Regina. SGI also works with a network of over 400 motor licence issuers across the province. Customers can now do some transactions online. Look for the MySGI link under Online Services on your motor licence issuer's website or SGI's website at www.sgi.sk.ca.