(File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

Distracted Driving

SGI reminds the public to put down the phone while driving

Nov 19, 2020 | 12:44 PM

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is reminding the public to avoid distractions while driving and focus on the road.

According to a media release on SGI’s October Traffic Safety Spotlight, the police gave out 658 tickets for distracted driving. Out of those tickets SGI explained 538 were for cellphone use and 120 were for driving without due care and attention. This a drop from October of last year, when a record was set for the month with 1,290 distracted driving tickets issued.

In its media release, SGI said drivers deserve credit for the reduction but 658 is still too many.

“Distracted driving is a serious safety concern on Saskatchewan roads. In 2019, distracted driving contributed to 16 deaths and more than 4,500 collisions,” the release said.

Distracted driving ticket fines start at $580 and four demerit points. The fines and penalties increase on repeat offenders.

Community Support

Poutine Fest raises nearly $9K for Big Brothers Big Sisters

1h ago

2025 wildfires

Members of St. Louis Fire Department receive Premier's Commendation award

1h ago

Affordable housing

First 18 Métis Nation homes to be ready this fall in Prince Albert

1h ago

“When you’re driving, #JustDrive. Put your phone out of sight, hand it over to your passenger, turn on the ‘do not disturb’ function, or finalize your plans before you start to drive. These are just a few ways you can avoid distracted driving and arrive safely at your destination,” the release said.

More tickets reported by police in October are 437 impaired driving offences, including 352 Criminal Code charges; 6,906 tickets for speeding/aggressive driving and 403 improper seatbelt or child restraint use.

November’s Traffic Safety Spotlight is catching suspended drivers and unregistered vehicles.

–

panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow