By Alex Coop
acoop@estevanmercury.ca
If you've noticed an influx of bad driving in Estevan, it might have to do with the fact that only 38 per cent of drivers who took their Class 5 road test in 2013 passed.
According to Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), Saskatchewan's average pass rate has dropped 10 per cent since 2004 when it sat at 58 per cent, and Estevan has struggled to to remain above a 50 per cent pass rate, except for a sudden leap in 2010 and 2011 when it spiked to around 60 per cent. In 2012, that number plummeted to 46 per cent.
An increase in population may be a big reason why this is happening, said Kelley Brinkworth, manager of media relations for SGI.
"The increase in traffic volume density leads to more challenging driving environments," she said. "You can go from a four-way stop or an uncontrolled intersection, and suddenly there are lights or arrows that perhaps create a more difficult environment for drivers."
Brinkworth noted that drivers coming from jurisdictions that don't have driving prerequisites similar to Saskatchewan's, it may take longer for them adjust to their new setting.
She also listed the following as areas that regularly cause people taking drivers tests problems:
- Traffic signals - right hand turn red light, amber light, left hand turn on a green light
- Stop signs and stopping positions
- Right of way - pedestrians
- Intersections (controlled and uncontrolled)
- Right and left hand turns
- One way streets
- Parallel parking
- Speed
- Shoulder checks
The following map highlights pass rates across the province that were collected by SGI.
