by KELLY FRIESEN
Journal editor
The Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) put new traffic laws into effect on June 27.
The target of the new traffic laws is reckless driving. SGI is upping the consequences for this type of behaviour with the hope that it will lead to 'smarter choices' on the road.
"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," said Don McMorris, minister responsible for SGI.
The changes to consequences of impaired driving include longer license suspensions, immediate roadside vehicle seizures ranging from three to 60 days and mandatory ignition interlocks in certain cases.
For first offense of blowing over .08 or refusing to give a breath test, the driver will face a one-year interlock sentence and a minimum prohibition period of 90 days. The second offence results in a two-year interlock sentence and a minimum prohibition period of six months. The third and subsequent offences result in a five-year interlock sentence and a minimum prohibition period of 12 months.
The convicted drivers will have to open up their wallets to use the device. The drivers will pay a $250 one-time fee and $3.45 plus taxes per day. The fees will add up to roughly $1,500 per year.
Repercussions for distracted driving offences in general increased. On the second offense of cellphone use while driving or excessive speeding, the convicted drivers' cars will be seized for seven days. The third offense also results in a seven-day seizure for cellphone use.
In an attempt to protect small children, booster seats for kids who are six-years-old or under are now mandatory.
It's not a coincidence that these laws were implemented right before the Canada Day weekend. The high rate of accidents during the summer played into the changes.
"Collisions typically increase during the summer months, especially around long weekends," said McMorris. "Drive safely and abide by the new traffic laws to keep yourself, your family and all other road users safe."
Saskatchewan saw 134 people killed and 6,762 injured in vehicle collisions on roads and highways last year.
Two new Traffic Safety Enforcement Units will help carry out these new laws for SGI.
