Decrease in distracted drivers
Hiking 2020 fine to $580 a deterrent
One month after police in Saskatchewan issued a record total of tickets for distracted driving, that number dropped almost in half in November.
Last month, a total of 653 distracted driving tickets — including 560 for cellphone use — were issued by police across the province, according to SGI on Friday. SGI said it is the first time in nine months that the total of distracted driving tickets has fallen below 700.
It’s a sharp contrast to October, when police in Saskatchewan reported 1,290 distracted driving offences: 1,148 for cellphone use while driving and 142 for driving without due care and attention.
Before that, the highest total of distracted driving offences in a single month was 1,039.
SGI hopes that the number of distracted drivers continues to fall as harsher penalties will soon come into force. Last month, the province announced that as of Feb. 1, a first-offence ticket will be $580 and four demerits.
A second offence within a year of being convicted of the first will include a $1,400 ticket, an additional four demerits and an immediate seven-day vehicle seizure.
Vehicle owners will be responsible for the towing and impound fees.
Currently, the cost of a first-offence distracted driving ticket is $280 plus four demerits, with vehicle seizures for repeat offenders.
“Many people continue to risk their lives and the lives of others on Saskatchewan roads by being complacent and choosing to ignore the laws,” Minister Responsible for SGI Joe Hargrave said last month.
“Enough is enough. People need to get the message.”
Police and SGI in November focused largely on suspended drivers and unregistered vehicles. Police reported 302 drivers caught driving while suspended or disqualified and another 515 offences for unregistered vehicles or trailers, according to SGI.
“It’s a safety concern when drivers continue to drive after getting their licence suspended, because an authority has determined that they are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle,” SGI said in a news release.
Impaired driving, a poor driving record and failing to follow obligations imposed by SGI or the courts are all reasons someone’s licence could be suspended.
Police in November also issued 181 tickets for driving without a valid licence, 64 learner drivers driving without a supervising driver and 44 drivers failing to comply with a licence endorsement or restriction.
As well, police reported 286 impaired driving offences, 5,172 tickets for speeding or aggressive driving, and 322 tickets for improper seatbelt or child restraint use.