The newest addition to the PAPS CTSS fleet. (Submitted photo/PAPS)

By paNOW Staff

Bike Patrol

PAPS adds motorcycle unit to combat distracted drivers

Sep 17, 2024 | 11:56 AM

An addition to the Prince Albert Police Service’s (PAPS) fleet is expected to bolster road safety efforts across the province and enhance community engagement.

Through a partnership with Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (CTSS) added a new motorcycle to its fleet.

According to the police service, motorcycles are very effective at spotting distracted drivers compared to traditional police cars thanks to their agility and ability to move through traffic.

Data from CTSS shows that between 15 per cent and 20 per cent of tickets issued annually by RCMP CTSS in the province are attributed to the RCMP’s six-motorcycle squad.

“Notably, approximately 28 per cent of these tickets are for the use of cellular phones while driving, with the remaining tickets largely addressing non-use of seat belts and speeding. Distracted driving continues to post a significant challenge to enforcement, despite recent increases in fines and vehicle impoundments introduced by the province,” read a release from PAPS.

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Police Chief Patrick Nogier said the motorcycle will be used in parades, escorts, school demonstrations and other public events to help foster positive interactions between police and the community.

“The addition of a new motorcycle to our existing fleet of police vehicles represents a significant investment in our ability to respond quickly and effectively to traffic-related incidents. Motorcycles offer increased mobility, especially in congested areas, and allow our officers to navigate through traffic more efficiently. This strategic enhancement not only improves our enforcement capabilities but also serves as a visible deterrent to unsafe driving behaviors, ultimately contributing to the safety of all road users in Prince Albert,” Nogier said.

CTSS is a province-wide unit consisting of members from the RCMP and municipal services and is jointly funded by SGI. It’s why sometimes police vehicles from municipal services may be seen enforcing traffic laws outside of their municipalities.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com