One month after changes to Saskatchewan's traffic laws came into effect, 515 motorists have received licence suspensions and 785 have had their vehicles seized, for a total of 1,300 sanctions.
New traffic laws took effect June 27, 2014. During the period from June 27-July 31, 2014, drivers received the following penalties:
515 roadside suspensions for impaired driving
352 impaired driving vehicle seizures
280 unauthorized driver vehicle seizures
153 high-risk driving vehicle seizures
"What is most frustrating is the high number of penalties related to impaired driving - close to 900," said Andrew Cartmell, President and CEO of SGI. "There's simply no excuse for drinking and driving when there are so many options for getting home safely. Thanks to new vehicle seizure laws, drivers that don't plan a safe ride home and choose to drive while impaired can now be removed from the road immediately, reducing the risk of a senseless collision and possible injury or death."
Tougher penalties for impaired driving, including longer licence suspensions and vehicle seizures, are among the most significant changes to traffic laws. Vehicle seizures for distracted driving and other high-risk offences, like excessive speeding, are also now in effect. Booster seats for children under the age of seven are also mandatory in the province.
In 2013, preliminary data shows that 135 people were killed and 6,934 were injured in vehicle collisions on Saskatchewan roads and highways.
SGI reminds motorists to always plan a safe ride home. Take the bus, take a cab, choose a designated driver, use a designated driving service, or call a friend or family member to pick you up. SGI even has a free SafeRide app to help you keep track of your options.
Visit SGI's website at www.sgi.sk.ca to learn more about the new traffic laws, or for information about the Road Safety Challenge and how #wecandrivebetter.
