Police in Saskatchewan issue 1,347 traffic charges in one week

Police around Saskatchewan marked Canada Safe Driving Week by laying more than 1,300 charges and about the same number of warnings.

According to the RCMP, officers with Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan – which includes RCMP and municipal police officers, along with other partners – held check stops and extra patrols between Dec. 1 and last Thursday to ensure drivers were following the law.

It turned out not everyone was, as police issued 1,347 traffic charges and 1,349 warnings, while also handing out 111 vehicle defect inspection notices.

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“Canada Safe Driving Week is an annual event, however, road safety is a year-round priority for the Saskatchewan RCMP,” the Mounties said in a statement.

Of the charges, 713 were for speeding, 97 were for cellphone use while driving, 86 were for invalid registration, 76 were for what police called “intersection-related offences,” 43 were for seatbelts, 38 were for invalid licences, 23 were for open liquor or cannabis, nine were for careless driving, and six were for driving while disqualified.

The RCMP said officers also found 64 impaired drivers, which led to six Criminal Code charges and 58 roadside suspensions.

In one case from last Tuesday highlighted by the RCMP, a semi near Swift Current was allegedly hauling hay bales that were not secured to the trailer “despite the fact that the driver possessed adequate straps.”

In addition, the RCMP said the driver didn’t have adequate wing mirrors to see around the unsecured bales.

The driver was ticketed for both infractions, police said, and was ordered to properly secure the bales before proceeding.