Despite the cold temperatures many areas of Saskatchewan saw in February, it didn’t deter law enforcement from the traffic safety spotlight that was carried out in conjunction with SGI. The month had a focus on impaired drivers, with a secondary focus on those driving with suspended licenses, or driving an unregistered vehicle. 

Tyler McMurchy, Manager of Media Relations with SGI, explained that over the course of the month, there were 330 drivers who faced impaired driving charges “which includes 262 criminal code charges and another 67 roadside administrative suspensions.” 

McMurchy added the number of charges is in line with what law enforcement see in a typical month, noting the average month will see from 300 to 450 charges for impaired driving. 

The secondary focus on licensing and registration saw another 409 drivers who were suspended or disqualified from driving being stopped, and another 459 tickers for driving an unregistered vehicle issued. 

Impaired driving continues to be the leading cause of death on roadways in Saskatchewan, according to SGI. They will be focusing on impaired driving again in May, September and December. They note that in addition to court-ordered fines, jail time and driving prohibitions, an impaired driving charge can also lead to vehicle impoundments, ignition interlock, driving without impairment courses and costly Safe Driver Recognition penalties. 

Other tickets issued by law enforcement in Saskatchewan in February included 4,917 tickets for speeding or aggressive driving, 402 tickets for seatbelts and child restraints not being used properly, or not at all, and 664 tickets for distracted driving, which included 585 tickets for cellphone use. 

This month, the safety spotlight is on distracted and drowsy driving.