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636 distracted driving tickets issued in Saskatchewan during November

Police in Saskatchewan handed out 636 distracted driving tickets in November – the highest ever issued in a month. Global News

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) said a record number of distracted driving tickets were issued in November.

SGI said police handed out 636 tickets to drivers during the month – 554 for using a cellphone.

Officials said there has been an increase in the number of tickets issued since distracted driving laws were strengthened at the start of the year.

Distracted driving is the leading cause of collisions and injuries on Saskatchewan roads.

Fines start at $280 and a second offense within a year could result in a vehicle being impounded for seven days.

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WATCH BELOW: SGI distracted driving demonstration

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SGI distracted driving demonstration

SGI’s traffic safety spotlight in November focused on people driving while suspended or disqualified, and vehicles being driven without valid insurance.

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Police reported 302 offences of people driving while suspended or disqualified, 519 for operating a vehicle or trailer without valid registration, and 345 tickets for driving without a valid licence or failing to abide by licence restrictions.

Driving while suspended carries potential Criminal Code charges, fines, jail time and a minimum 30-day vehicle seizure.

 

The fine for driving an unregistered vehicle is $580, and second or subsequent offences with a 12-month period will result in the vehicle being impounded for seven days.

SGI said people who are involved in a collision while driving an unregistered vehicle won’t have insurance coverage and could be on the hook for thousands of dollars in damages.

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Impaired driving continues to be an issue for police, with 209 impaired-related offences reported during November, including 202 Criminal Code charges.

Police also handed out 3,741 speeding tickets and 334 seatbelt or child safety seat infractions.

 

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