2012 news releases

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

More than 750 tickets issued during Operation March Madness

Mar. 21, 2012

Last week, 754 motorists received tickets for aggressive driving as a result of the fourth coordinated traffic safety blitz in the province.

Operation March Madness, held Mar. 14 and 15 saw police and traffic enforcement officers across the province watching for violations such as speeding, running red lights, failing to stop at stop signs, racing or stunting. Agencies involved included rural and larger municipal services, CN Rail Police and the RCMP.

"These traffic blitzes are proving to be effective in raising awareness of important traffic safety issues," said Andrew Cartmell, President and CEO of SGI. "It was a good reminder for motorists that we are all responsible for our own actions behind the wheel."

In total, law enforcement officials issued 943 tickets, including:

• 472 for speeding,
• 243 for disobeying stop signs,
• 23 for disobeying traffic lights,
• nine for crossing a solid line (either passing on a solid line or driving to the left of a solid line),
• four for vehicles passing on the right,
• and three for vehicles failing to stop for police.

The remainder were a result of offences including not wearing seatbelts, cellphone use while driving, and driving without due care and attention.

"Police services across the province do a great job of working collaboratively with our communities to come up with important traffic safety concerns for us to highlight each month," said Chief Troy Hagen, President of the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police. "Aggressive driving was another one of these concerns and the blitz reminded drivers to be more careful and considerate on the road."

The last coordinated traffic safetly blitz, Operation Crossroads, resulted in 446 tickets being issued in total, including 339 for violations at intersections.

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.

Any media looking for local results for Operation March Madness are encouraged to contact their community's law enforcement agency.