RCMP traffic units from across the province were on hand in the community last week to provide an increased police presence in the Battlefords July 23 to 24. (File Photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Traffic Enforcement

RCMP’s STEP initiative cracks down on road safety in the Battlefords

Jul 27, 2020 | 5:29 PM

It was a busy couple of days for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) in North Battleford last week.

The program, hosted by Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services, in partnership with SGI, featured about 30 to 40 officers from other police and municipal agencies from across the province.

Together those officers participated and conducted education/enforcement initiatives in various locations in the city to focus on impaired driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and occupant restraints.

As a result of the road safety initiatives, officers issued 300 tickets in total, primarily under the Traffic Safety Act and Vehicle Equipment Regulations.

· 152 tickets were issued for speeding

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· 55 tickets were issued for failing to stop at a stop sign or traffic light

· 19 tickets were issued for seatbelt related violations

· 11 tickets were issued for cellphone violations

Sgt. Doug MacDougall of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services, said perhaps the biggest takeaway from the program was the number of vehicles caught speeding over just a few hours each of the two days.

“I mean, it was only about three to four hours Thursday afternoon and then another three to four hours on Friday morning, and the number of speeders in that six-hour period, we had just over 150 total,” he said. “So I think that was a pretty significant number in my opinion.”

MacDougall said if there is one thing he hopes residents can take away from the program, it would be to remind people to take their time when behind the wheel. After all, as he points out, road safety remains a priority in the best interest of all.

“That extra few minutes [you might save speeding] isn’t going to be the difference between life and death in getting somewhere, so at the end of the day, just slow down and get to your destination safely,” he said.

While the STEP may be completed in North Battleford for the time being, Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services will continue to work diligently to keep roads and communities safe.

The RCMP encourage anyone who witnesses impaired driving or aggressive driving to report it to their local RCMP detachment or call 911.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1