Yesterday and today (August 23) law and traffic enforcement officers in Saskatchewan, including in Yorkton, will be focusing on traffic safety at intersections.
Over the two days, law enforcement is on the lookout for motorists or pedestrians at intersections violating traffic laws such as failing to yield to pedestrians or oncoming traffic, failing to stop at stops signs or red lights, or jaywalking.
"Nearly half of all collisions occur at intersections," says Andrew Cartmell, President and CEO of SGI. "In 2011, the number of collisions at intersections increased over the year before, so we want to once again remind both motorists and pedestrians alike the importance of knowing and following the rules of the road, especially at intersections."
In 2011, there were more than 13,000 collisions at intersections across the province, resulting in nearly 3,800 injuries and 39 fatalities.
Once again, the blitz will also see officers enforcing seatbelt and cellphone use violations, which are two of the leading causes of collisions and fatalities on our roads.
"Unfortunately, we still see texting and cellphone use behind the wheel," adds Chief Troy Hagen, President of the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police. "We hope that by continuing to focus on the dangers of distracted driving and proper use of seatbelts we can reduce the number of fatalities we see on Saskatchewan roads."
The blitz will be held in conjunction with a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) event occurring in the Prince Albert area, resulting in a concentrated effort in that area.
The first Operation Crossroads traffic safety blitz, held in November 2011, resulted in 339 motorists being fined for traffic violations at intersections.
