Nearly 1,000 impaired novice drivers suspended according to SGI report; Battlefords see speed as main concern

“In particular with the speeding legislation too, ‘cause we – that’s one thing we’ve been doing with the city is monitoring our roads for high rates of speeds,” he said.

While there have been a few young drivers involved, it’s mostly a mix of different ages that are being pulled over.

“It’s something that we’re going to pretty strictly enforce because speed has a significant factor in motor vehicle accidents as does impairment or distracted driving.”

According to the act, along with being under 22, new drivers in Saskatchewan include those who are: Learner (Class 7), Class 5 Novice 1 and 2, Endorsement 6, M1, or M2 (Motorcycle), Out of Country drivers (when equivalent class is unknown), hasn’t had a license in five years, and those who are restricted or provisional.

As such, these drivers’ blood alcohol content (BAC) level must be 0.0 and according to SGI’s news release, last year, 982 novice drivers were suspended “for exceeding provincial limits on alcohol and drugs.”

In the release, JP Cullen, chief operating officer of the Auto Fund said it isn’t about ruining people’s fun, it’s about finding alternative rides home.

“Choosing not to drive impaired will keep you safe and keep you out of trouble.”

According to Holm, in the Battlefords, it’s mainly speeding in school zones and 50 km areas that they’re focusing on. As such, they have invested in devices called Armadillos, which track traffic volume, speeds and types of vehicles that go through the city.

“One of our major concerns are some of the speeds that we’re seeing in 50 km/h zones. So, in some cases we’re seeing well over double or triple the speed limit,” he said.

“I think the highest person that we’ve radared was doing 151 km/h in a 50, so it’s something that we’re taking very seriously and with the new legislation, if you’re over double the speed limit, it will result in a 30-day impound of your vehicle, plus the ticketing, plus towing expenses and storage expenses.”

According to the release, last month the province saw 449 tickets for impaired driving offences and 3,694 tickets for speeding or aggressive driving. Holm said he’s “hoping that with the ability of having the vehicle towed and impounded for 30 days that roadside will try and curb some of the dangerous speeds that we are seeing.”

Meanwhile, last year the CSOs conducted 269 roadside alcohol screenings and 11 impaired driving charges and Holm said at the moment, they are unable to screen for drugs as the officers have to undergo special training.

“If you look at just the impaired driving charges we’ve laid last year, I think that’s why you’re seeing SGI moving in the direction that they are, which I fully support,” he said, noting people need to pay attention to the speed limits.

“They have to realize that driving’s a privilege and not a right and if they are engaging in that dangerous activity, our officers will lay charges.”

For full rules and regulations, read the Traffic Safety Act on the SGI’s website.

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

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by Julia Lovett-Squires

Nearly 1,000 impaired novice drivers suspended according to SGI report; Battlefords see speed as main concern

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