SGI has announced that the penalties for distracted driving offences will be increasing considerably in the next few months, to crack down on Saskatchewan driver inattention.
Driver distraction is one of the top causes of accidents in the province, with police issuing more distracted driving tickets than ever. In 2018, distracted driving was a factor in more than 6,000 collisions, 774 injuries, and 22 deaths.
Beginning Feb. 1, 2020, fines will almost double and consequences for repeat offences within a 12-month period will also increase.
A first-offence distracted driving ticket will increase to $580, accompanied by four demerits. A second offence within 12 months will result in a $1,400 ticket, four demerits and immediate seizure of the vehicle for seven days. A third offence within 12 months will result in a $2,100 ticket, four more demerits, and another week-long vehicle seizure.
Demerits on the SGI Safe Driver Recognition scale can also result in additional financial penalties, alongside the fees for towing and impoundment of a vehicle — which can venture in the hundreds of dollars.
According to the Traffic Safety Act, a distracted driving offence includes the use or manipulation of a cellular device while driving, or driving without due care and attention on a highway.
SGI hopes that the increased harshness of the penalties will dissuade drivers from using their phones behind the wheel.
“Distracted driving kills and injures people; it is a serious safety concern and our government is sending a direct message to drivers,” said Joe Hargraves, Minister Responsible for SGI, in a press release. “Yes, the tickets are costly. Don’t want to get one? It’s easy. Put the phone down, keep your head up, and focus on the road.”
