As Halloween is this weekend, safety for our costume-covered trick-or-treaters and Saskatchewan motorists is a major priority. The RCMP and Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan(CTSS) whose job is to keep the highways safe, worked together on Operation Impact which took place from October 8th through to October 11th.
“Promoting safety on Saskatchewan roads and highways is paramount for the Saskatchewan RCMP and CTSS,” says Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services Supt. St. Germaine. “Whether during an initiative like Operation Impact, a special weekend like this one coming up, or just an ordinary day in Saskatchewan, officers are out on the roads targeting known risks like impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding and seatbelt misuse.”
Led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the municipal CTSS partners and the RCMP together promoted public compliance with safe driving measures in order to save lives and reduce injuries. They found 48 impaired drivers, 34 of whom were charged under the Criminal Code. The remaining 14 received roadside suspensions.
Other enforcement results include:
- 1231 warnings
- 948 speeding tickets
- 56 intersection tickets
- 49 distracted driving tickets
- 40 seat belt tickets
- 9 unsafe passing tickets
- 136 vehicle defect inspection notices
There were also 465 other charges laid including non-impaired Criminal Code offences, invalid driver’s licenses and invalid vehicle registrations.
He adds that officers have already collected enough scary stories this October:
- On October 10, a 911 complaint advised of a vehicle travelling at very high speeds on Highway #11 near Prince Albert. Prince Albert Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (CTSS) officers observed the vehicle travelling 180 km/h in a 110 km/h zone. When officers pulled the vehicle over, the driver said they were driving that speed because a vehicle occupant had to use the bathroom. The driver was charged with Exceed Lawful Posted Speed Limit by More Than 50 Km/h and received a $1022 fine and a seven-day vehicle impound.
- Also on October 10, Yorkton CTSS observed a pickup truck towing an unregistered trailer with a trampoline on it on Boundary Road in Canora. The trampoline was improperly secured to the trailer and an unrestrained female youth was riding on the trailer attempting to prevent contact between the trampoline and the road surface. Officers stopped the vehicle and the driver was charged with Drive Vehicle with Unrestrained Passenger Under 16 and received warnings for having unsecured cargo and an unregistered trailer.
“Whether it’s going to Halloween activities or trick-or-treating, many vehicles and pedestrians will be on the streets this weekend,” says Supt. Grant. St. Germaine. “Please buckle your seat belt, keep your eyes on the road, watch your speed and don’t drive while impaired. Our officers will be out on the streets, ensuring everyone has a safe time this Halloween.”
