During October’s Traffic Safety Spotlight, police across the province were paying extra attention to drivers not paying attention behind the wheel. A total of 486 tickets were issued for distracted driving, including 391 for using a cellphone while driving.
Distracted driving is illegal, dangerous, and will cost you. Despite the consequences – a $280 fine and four demerits under SGI’s Safe Driver Recognition program – distracted driving continues to be the leading cause of all traffic collisions. Over the last three years, there has been a steady increase in fatalities, injuries and collisions related to distracted driving. Last year, distracted driving was a factor in nearly 8,300 collisions contributing to the deaths of 42 people and more than 1,200 injuries.
Cellphone legislation was strengthened in Saskatchewan on Jan. 1, 2017. It now prohibits drivers from using, viewing, holding or manipulating mobile devices while driving. Learner and novice drivers are not allowed to use a cellphone of any kind, not even hands-free. Drivers caught using their cellphone while driving for the second time within one year will have the vehicle seized for seven days.
Anything that takes your attention away from the road is dangerous and can constitute distracted driving. Be aware of other distractions that can take a driver’s focus off the road, like pets, adjusting your radio, even eating or grooming. Every driver has a responsibility to keep Saskatchewan roads safe. Avoid all distractions, don’t do anything else besides drive when in control of a vehicle, and call out any friends and family for using cellphones while driving. A life is more important than any text message.
Law enforcement also reported the following offences as part of the monthly Traffic Safety Spotlight: 4,286 tickets for speeding/aggressive driving; 310 impaired driving offences; and 323 tickets regarding seatbelts/child car seats.
Police continue to focus on suspended drivers and unregistered vehicles throughout November. Please remember that you need a valid driver’s licence, registration and insurance to legally drive a motor vehicle on public roads in Saskatchewan. #DoNotRiskIt.
Visit SGI’s website at www.sgi.sk.ca for more information about distracted driving. Follow SGI on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for safety tips to #TakeCareOutThere.
