SOUTHEAST — Police officers – including those from the Saskatchewan RCMP motorcycle unit – removed 12 drivers who had consumed alcohol/drugs from the road and issued 395 traffic tickets during a proactive traffic enforcement initiative in the Moosomin area from July 31 to Aug. 2.
The traffic enforcement resulted in:
-984 Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) tests completed;
-two Criminal Code charges – one for impaired driving and one for refusing a roadside test;
-10 roadside suspensions;
-Eight inspection notices;
-111 warnings issued; and
-395 tickets issued.
Of the tickets issued, the following infractions were the most common:
-245 for exceeding the posted speed limit; 24 of these were for exceeding the posted speed limit by a speed greater than 35 kilometres/hour;
-26 for exceeding 60 kilometres/hour while passing an emergency vehicle; and
-17 for incorrect use of seatbelt or booster seat.
Officers from Moosomin RCMP, Estevan, Weyburn and Broadview Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan, Estevan Police Service and the Saskatchewan RCMP’s motorcycle unit participated in the initiative.
"Motorcycles are an extremely effective enforcement tool as they allow officers to position themselves closer to traffic and observe driver behaviour from a unique vantage point," said S/Sgt. Jeremy Knodel with Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services.
"Saskatchewan RCMP's motorcycle unit can often identify infractions that may be more difficult to detect from a regular police vehicle. They can move easier through traffic, monitor multiple vehicles, and respond quickly when unsafe driving behaviours are observed, allowing us to improve safety for everyone on Saskatchewan roads."
