Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is reminding motorists that new traffic laws take effect in the province on June 27, just in time for the Canada Day long weekend.
"Collisions typically increase during the summer months, especially around long weekends," Minister responsible for SGI Don McMorris said. "Drive safely and abide by the new traffic laws to keep yourself, your family and all other road users safe."
Highlights of the new traffic laws include:
Tougher consequences for impaired driving, including longer licence suspensions, immediate roadside vehicle seizures ranging from three to 60 days, and mandatory ignition interlock in certain cases;
Vehicle seizures for distracted driving offences, for seven days on a second or subsequent offence for cellphone use while driving and seven days on a third or subsequent offence for all other forms of distracted driving;
Mandatory booster seats for children under seven years of age; and
New penalties for excessive speeding, including seven-day vehicle seizures and demerit points under the Safe Driver Recognition program.
The new laws will be supported by the two new Dedicated Traffic Safety Enforcement Units that government announced earlier this month.
"We are all hopeful the more serious consequences associated with risky driving behaviour will result in drivers making safer and smarter choices, ultimately leading to fewer traffic injuries and fatalities in our province," McMorris said.
Last year in Saskatchewan,134 people were killed and 6,762 were injured in vehicle collisions on Saskatchewan roads and highways.*
SGI reminds motorists to always plan a safe ride home, put cellphones away while driving, slow down and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained.
For more information regarding all traffic law changes, and to learn about the Road Safety Challenge, visit SGI's website at www.sgi.sk.ca.
*2013 statistics are preliminary.
