(File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

DISTRACTED DRIVING

Police and SGI to focus on distracted driving throughout October

Oct 6, 2021 | 10:00 AM

Distracted driving will be the focus for police forces across Saskatchewan for October’s Traffic Safety Spotlight.

According to data from SGI, an average of 877 have been injured in collisions each year from 2016-2020 because of driver distraction and inattention on the roads.

Distracted driving also results in an average of 26 fatalities per year.

“No one ever wants to get injured or hurt, and one easy way to reduce the number of preventable injuries is to give the road your full and undivided attention,” said Penny McCune, Chief Operating Officer of the Auto Fund.

Over the past couple of years, hundreds of distracted drivers were reported in and near Prince Albert.

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SGI statistics show 208 collisions took place in Prince Albert city limits in 2019 because of distracted driving with 26 injuries. That number, however, dropped last year to 124 collisions but the number of injuries rose to 29.

As for cases near Prince Albert, 15 collisions were reported in 2019 and 16 the following year. Those stats include some collisions and injuries reported from Highway 2 between P.A. and St. Louis and Highway 3 between the city and Shellbrook.

Those who violate the province’s distracted driving law face a $580 ticket and four demerits for either driving without due care and attention, and holding, using or viewing a cellphone.

Repeat offences within one year could face significantly higher ticket costs: $1,400 for a second ticket; $2,100 for a third, and seven-day vehicle impoundments.

–

Derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @PA_Craddock