Jan 16, 2012 – Police agencies across the province will be enforcing intersection safety during this month’s coordinated traffic safety blitz, taking place Jan. 18 and 19. Traffic enforcement officers will be on the lookout for drivers and pedestrians violating traffic laws at intersections. Violations include failing to yield to pedestrians or oncoming traffic, running red lights, jaywalking or failing to stop at stop signs, among others.
“Forty-two per cent of all collisions in the province in 2010 occurred at intersections,” said Andrew Cartmell, President and CEO of SGI. “Operation Crossroads will serve as a reminder to people about the importance of obeying all traffic laws at intersections.”
In 2010 there were more than 12,000 collisions at intersections in the province, resulting in 48 deaths and nearly 3,800 injuries.
“Intersection safety is a serious traffic safety concern in Saskatchewan,” said Chief Troy Hagen, President of the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police. “Once again police services across the province will join forces to help bring attention to this matter and apprehend anyone seen violating traffic laws.”
Operation Crossroads is the third province-wide coordinated traffic safety blitz. In November, 207 drivers were fined for cellphone use during Operation HandsFree. December’s blitz, Operation Overdrive, resulted in 25 impaired driving charges and 216 other tickets. A provincial blitz will be held each month targeting a particular traffic safety issue.
About SGI
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is the province’s self-sustaining auto insurance fund. SGI operates 21 claims centres and five salvage centres across Saskatchewan with a head office in Regina. SGI also works with a network of over 400 motor licence issuers across the province. Customers can now do some transactions online. Look for the MySGI link under Online Services on your motor licence issuer’s website or SGI’s website at www.sgi.sk.ca .
