2012 news releases

For major announcements, decisions, projects or campaigns, SGI circulates news releases to Saskatchewan media.

Operation Crossroads proves to be another traffic blitz success

Jan. 23, 2012

There were 339 people charged with traffic violations at intersections during a province-wide traffic blitz last week.

The two-day blitz, held on Jan. 18 and 19, saw police agencies and traffic enforcement officers across the province on the lookout for drivers and pedestrians violating traffic laws at intersections, including failing to yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians, failing to stop at stop signs, running red lights and jaywalking.

“Once again, our goal in this traffic safety blitz was to increase public awareness of important traffic safety issues and the extensive media coverage on Operation Crossroads helped us achieve that,” said Andrew Cartmell, President and CEO of SGI. “While the operation was slightly hampered by the extreme weather conditions, the number of tickets issued reinforces the importance of extra care and attention while driving through intersections.”

Between the municipal police forces, RCMP, Corman Park Police Service and University of Saskatchewan Campus Safety Unit, the blitz resulted in a total of 446 tickets issued, including:

• 327 traffic light or stop sign violations
• 11 charges for illegal U-turns at light-controlled intersections
• One pedestrian charge for disobeying WALK signal
• 20 cellphone tickets
• 22 seatbelt tickets
• 65 Traffic Safety Act charges for various other offences

“We’re pleased to see continued results from these monthly coordinated traffic blitzes, “ said Chief Troy Hagen, President of the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police. “It’s satisfying to see police agencies across the province work together to raise awareness and improve traffic safety in all corners of the province.”

Operation Crossroads was the third province-wide coordinated traffic safety blitz. During last month’s blitz, Operation Overdrive, 241 tickets total, including 25 impaired driving charges, were issued. A provincial blitz will continue to be held each month, targeting a key 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.