Police will be on the lookout for distracted drivers this month.
Distracted driving remains a problem on Saskatchewan's roads, even though the number of distracted driving offences has been dropping.
There were 509 tickets issued for distracted driving in January, including 405 for cell phone use. That was followed by 647 infractions in February (including 562 for cell use), another 378 in March (314 for cell use), and 130 in April (73 for cell use).
SGI says the lower numbers in March and April are likely attributed to there being fewer drivers during the COVID-19 lockdown.
As the province enters Phase 3 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan, SGI believes there will be motorists on the road this month. That is why distracted driving is the focus of June's Traffic Safety Spotlight.
“The June Traffic Spotlight on distracted driving coincides with Saskatchewan gradually re-opening; drivers can expect more traffic, along with greater numbers of motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians taking advantage of the nicer weather,” Penny McCune, Chief Operating Officer of the Auto Fund said in a press release. “We encourage drivers to keep their focus on the road by avoiding their phones and other distractions.”
As a reminder, penalties for distracted driving increased on February 1.
Drivers will receive a $580 ticket for holding, viewing, using, or manipulating a handheld phone while driving. First-time offenders will also be penalized four demerits. Penalties increase for repeat offenders.
Distracted driving is one of the leading factors in collisions, injuries, and fatalities on Saskatchewan roads.
