2012 news releases

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

Operation back to target intersection safety

Aug. 21, 2012

On Aug. 22 and 23, law and traffic enforcement officers in Saskatchewan will be focusing on traffic safety at intersections.

Over the two days, law enforcement will be on the lookout for motorists or pedestrians at intersections violating traffic laws such as failing to yield to pedestrians or oncoming traffic, failing to stop at stops signs or red lights, or jaywalking.

“Nearly half of all collisions occur at intersections,” said Andrew Cartmell, President and CEO of SGI. “In 2011, the number of collisions at intersections increased over the year before, so we want to once again remind both motorists and pedestrians alike the importance of knowing and following the rules of the road, especially at intersections.”

In 2011, there were more than 13,000 collisions at intersections across the province, resulting in nearly 3,800 injuries and 39 fatalities.

Once again, the blitz will also see officers enforcing seatbelt and cellphone use violations, which are two of the leading causes of collisions and fatalities on our roads.

“Unfortunately, we still see texting and cellphone use behind the wheel,” said Chief Troy Hagen, President of the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police. “We hope that by continuing to focus on the dangers of distracted driving and proper use of seatbelts we can reduce the number of fatalities we see on Saskatchewan roads.”

The blitz will be held in conjunction with a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) event occurring in the Prince Albert area, resulting in a concentrated effort in that area.

The first Operation Crossroads traffic safety blitz, held in 2012, resulted in 339 motorists being fined for traffic 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.