REGINA – Saskatchewan motorists received hundreds of pricey tickets during June’s province-wide traffic safety spotlight which focused on buckling up.
Police were on the lookout for people not wearing a seatbelt, wearing it improperly or not having child passengers properly restrained in vehicles.
According to Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), in more than 25 per cent of all traffic fatalities the victim was not wearing a seatbelt.
The June traffic spotlight resulted in 431 seatbelt violations.
Twenty drivers were ticketed for passengers less than 16 years old not buckled up.
SGI urges motorists to buckle up each and every commute and ensure babies and toddlers are restrained properly – it’s the law.
Starting June 27, new Saskatchewan legislation made booster seats mandatory for children under seven.
A child not properly restrained will result in a fine of $175 for the driver along with three demerit points. It is the same fine for experienced drivers not wearing a seatbelt.
During the spotlight, law enforcement also issued 1,685 tickets for aggressive driving, 184 for illegal cellphone use and nabbed 110 impaired drivers.
Another initiative took place in June where officers from across the province converged on Swift Current.
Police participating in a selective traffic enforcement program (STEP) on June 4 and 5 enforced all traffic safety violations.
A total of 228 tickets were issued through STEP, including another 56 for improper or non-seatbelt use.
SGI car seat technicians were also on hand for the two-day event in Swift Current. They checked 90 car and booster seats and gave 10 away free.
The next STEP will be held in North Battleford, Sask. between July 30 and 31.
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