Need to speed? SGI warns of fine hike coming in May

If you’re heavy on the accelerator, you could find yourself lighter in the wallet.

Starting next month, the province is increasing fines for speeding in an effort to curb collisions.

“All told, 20 kilometres an hour over the speed limit is going to cost you $130. As of May 1, that same ticket is going to cost you $190,” SGI’s Tyler McMurchy said.

While last year’s numbers aren’t out yet, SGI reported 22 people were killed in speed-related crashes in 2016. Nearly 580 others were injured.

“(Speeding) disrupts your behaviour, and it lessens your reaction time,” McMurchy said.

“Because of this, you’re more likely to get into a collision and the faster you speed, the worse that collision is.”
McMurchy reminds drivers posted speed limits are there for a reason, and reflect what’s suitable in normal conditions.

“Sometimes it’s slippery, sometimes it’s reduced visibility. Those are times when you should be driving less than the posted speed limit.”

As for demographics when it comes to offenders, McMurchy was quick to stress no age group is immune.

He pointed out the majority of speeding tickets are handed out to people between people aged 20 to 49.

Of those, the highest numbers are for drivers aged 20 to 29.

However, McMurchy said he noticed a couple tickets handed out to drivers over the age of 100.

“I don’t know if it’s the same person, doing it twice, or two people that age speeding,” he said.

As for gender differences, McMurchy said 30,000 more men were caught speeding on Saskatchewan roads than women in 2016.

He encouraged all drivers to look at ways to improve their habits on the road.