From Dec. 1-7, Saskatchewan RCMP members checked 10,441 vehicles across the province during National Safe Driving Week.
The goal was to cut down on instances of distracted driving, unsafe driving, and impaired driving, and RCMP laid a number of road safety charges during the week.
Speeding was the largest issue, with 1,291 speeding tickets issued, including one driver near Kindersley who received a $1,168 fine for travelling 183 kilometres per hour in a 100 km/h zone.
Another 44 charges were issued for careless driving — which included driving without due care and attention, changing lanes while unsafe and following too close to another vehicle — and 83 charges for seatbelt misuse.
Drivers continue to use electronic devices while driving despite the announcement that distracted driving fines will be increasing in the New Year, with 60 charges for using a cell phone while driving issued — including one driver near Balgonie attempting to use a tablet while on the highway.
Another 39 drivers were charged with impaired driving during the week-long campaign.
The increased police presence during the campaign will likely continue through the holidays, RCMP noted, and drivers are encouraged to safe driving practices for everyone on the road.
This includes making the choice to drive sober or plan a safe ride home, or even staying at a friend’s house, and reporting suspected impaired drivers to police.
The RCMP ask everyone to commit to safe driving, so everyone can stay safe this season.
