The Saskatchewan RCMP revealed Thursday that its officers laid more than 1,600 charges for various offences on the province’s highways during the May long weekend.
In a media release, the RCMP said it charged 1,416 people for speeding/aggressive driving, 89 for seatbelt violations, 61 for distracted driving (including the use of electronic devices), 54 for alcohol impairment and one for drug impairment.
The force used increased patrols and check stops during Canada Road Safety Week, which included the May long weekend.
During the seven-day period from May 14 through Monday, officers focused on impaired driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and seatbelt offences — among others.
The RCMP said officers stopped 14,423 vehicles during the week and laid more than 3,200 charges. That number included the 1,621 that were filed over the long weekend.
The total number of charges included 2,045 for speeding/aggressive driving, 141 for seatbelt violations, 131 for distracted driving (including the use of electronic devices), 63 for alcohol impairment and one for drug impairment.
There also were 1,802 warnings and 329 inspection notices issued.
During the week, the Saskatchewan RCMP reported two traffic fatalities, both of which resulted from single-vehicle collisions.