A photo taken during the 2019 STEP initiative. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Busted

P.A. drivers behaving better behind the wheel, but still room for improvement

Aug 28, 2020 | 1:00 PM

Over the course of two days last week, over 300 tickets were issued in Prince Albert for various driving infractions including speeding, lack of seat belts, and using a cellphone while behind the wheel.

The Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) initiative on Aug. 19 and Aug. 20, was hosted by the Prince Albert Police Service, and involved various police agencies from across the province.

According to a statement Friday from the Prince Albert Police Service, members were able to meet and talk with nearly 700 drivers (commercial and private) to promote safe driving habits.

“The majority of tickets issued were for speeding (127), lack of seat belts (54), and use of a cellphone/undue care and attention while driving (28),” the statement said.

Police also handed out 394 warnings to drivers about various vehicle equipment regulations and policies under the Traffic Safety Act. One person was arrested for impaired driving.

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The STEP initiative is an annual event that partners Saskatchewan law enforcement agencies and Saskatchewan Government Insurance Agency (SGI) to promote traffic safety.

While this year’s numbers appear high, they represent an improvement over last year. In 2019, the two-day blitz resulted in over 500 tickets and warnings issued. More than 135 tickets alone were issued for speeding.

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panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow