A total of 138 drivers nabbed for speeding in construction zones during July

A total of 138 drivers lost some green by speeding in the Orange Zone this past July.

SGI is reporting that 138 motorists were given tickets while speeding in construction zones as part of the July Traffic Safety Spotlight which paid attention to unsafe driving behaviours in Saskatchewan work zones.

When passing a highway worker, flag person or highway equipment with warning lights flashing, drivers are required to slow to 60 kilometres per hour or the posted speed limit.

There were 104 tickets issued for exceeding 60 km/h when passing highway workers or occupied highway equipment within a work zone. Another 32 tickets were issued for motorists exceeding 60 km/h when passing a highway worker or flag person. There was also one ticket issued for exceeding 60 km/h when passing occupied highway equipment, and another for exceeding 60 km/h when passing highway equipment with warning lights in operation.

Police also reported one ticket to a driver for failing to obey the direction of a flag person or peace officer.

Fines for speeding in work zones or past highway workers are significantly higher than regular speeding tickets. Being clocked at 40 kilometres per hour over the limit will cost you $1,008 and four demerits.

Across the province, law enforcement also reported the following results in July:

- 7,597 aggressive driving or speeding offences; - 1,039 distracted driving offences (including 920 for cellphone use while driving);

- 576 inappropriate or no seatbelt/child restraint offences;

- 292 impaired driving offences (including 246 Criminal Code charges).

There are still many active work zones throughout the province. When planning a road trip, check the Highway Hotline website to see if you’ll encounter any along the way. When you encounter a work zone, obey posted signs and flag persons, always give the road your full attention, and keep a safe following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Law enforcement continue to focus on impaired driving in August – remember to always #Makegoodchoices and find a safe ride home.