Speeding is one of the leading factors in traffic-related deaths and injuries in Saskatchewan. In 2016 alone, 22 people died in speed-related crashes on provincial roads, and another 579 were injured.
A report from SGI shows that there were more than 124,000 speeding offences in the province in 2016. In a province with just over 800,000 licensed drivers, that’s about one speeding ticket for every 6.5 drivers.
Police in the province will be cracking-down on speeders during April’s traffic safety spotlight.
“Posted speed limits are not suggestions; they tell you how fast you’re legally allowed to drive,” said Penny McCune, COO of the Auto Fund.
“The best way to avoid a ticket? Don’t speed. And remember that those speed limits are for ideal conditions, which is not something we experience every day of the year in Saskatchewan.”
Under the Traffic Safety Act, there are a number of different speed-related offences and various fines based on the offence and speed travelled.
The cost of the ticket goes up for every kilometre per hour you’re over the limit. Currently, exceeding the speed limit by 20 km/h on a regular street or highway will trigger a total fine of $130, including the victims of crime surcharge and km/h charges.
In a school zone, 20 km/h over the limit will cost you $230. If you speed past workers in a 60 km/h orange zone, you’ll be looking at a $330 fine for going 80 km/h, and $530 for going 100 km/h.
Effective May 1, the base amount on all speeding tickets will increase by $30, and the fine per kilometre travelled in excess of the speed limit will double.