The Saskatchewan RCMP released a list of charges and warnings handed out following their patrols and check stops over Canada Safe Driving Week from December 1 to 7.
These stops were performed by both Saskatchewan RCMP and municipal police service officers, as part of Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (CTSS). There were 1347 traffic charges total, 1349 warnings, and 111 vehicle defect inspection notices handed out according to the release.
Before getting to the main list, CTSS officers also noticed a trend of driving under the influence. 64 drivers were found to have consumed alcohol or drugs prior to driving, resulting in six total charges under the criminal code for impaired driving. The remaining 58 individuals only received roadside suspensions.
The official tally from Canada Safe Driving Week goes as follows:
- 713 charges and 324 warnings for speeding;
- 97 charges and 22 warnings for cellphone use while driving;
- 9 charges and 26 warnings for careless driving;
- 43 charges and 19 warnings for seatbelt misuse;
- 76 charges and 30 warnings for intersection-related offences;
- 38 charges and 8 warnings for invalid driver’s license;
- 6 charges for driving while disqualified, suspended, or prohibited;
- 86 charges and 41 warnings for invalid vehicle registration;
- 256 charges and 868 warnings for all other Traffic Safety Act offences;
- 23 charges and 5 warnings for open alcohol or cannabis in a motor vehicle.
In one specific instance back on December 5, a Swift Current member located a heavy-hauler with hay bales that appeared to be swaying back and forth on the trailer. A traffic stop determined that the bales were entirely unsecure, even though the driver had the adequate straps, and it was also revealed that the truck's mirrors were not wide enough to see around the designated wide-load. According to police, the driver was ordered to properly secure the cargo before proceeding from the traffic stop and was ticketed for both the unsecure load and the inadequate mirrors.
With situations like the one above potentially putting others at risk, road safety will always be a year-round priority for police.
"Canada Safe Driving Week is an annual event, however, road safety is a year-round priority for the Saskatchewan RCMP."
Wed, May 22, 9:00 AM
