Tickets were handed out by the hundreds during the month of March by law enforcement for distracted driving.

523 tickets were issued by police during the month; 82 tickets for driving without due care and attention, and 441 for driving while using, holding, viewing or manipulating a hand-held cellphone. This is the highest amount of tickets distributed by police since the spotlight program began in 2014.

Each month, police in Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) team up to raise awareness for safe driving with monthly spotlights.

In March, police were watching for drivers speeding, driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, and not being properly restrained with seatbelts or not having their child passengers in the appropriate child safety seat. According to the report, violations have increased each month in 2017 and are as follows:

  • 4,532 speeding/aggressive driving violations
  • 318 impaired driving infractions
  • 453 seatbelts/child safety seats violations

Distracted driving laws were strengthened in January, from ‘using’ a hand-held cellphone to ‘using, viewing, holding or manipulating’ one. Learner and novice drivers are not allowed to use a cellphone of any kind, which includes hands-free devices. Experienced drivers can use hands-free phones if they are activated with voice commands or one-touch, and are dashboard, visor or cradle mounted.

Statistics from 2015 indicate distracted driving as the leading factor in motor vehicle collisions in the province. For fatal collisions in the province, distracted driving came second to impaired driving.

The SGI spotlight for the month of April is focusing on pedestrian, bicycle and motorcycle safety. Statistics for the spotlight will be released next month.