June 28 , 2001

RCMP and SGI Form Committee on Traffic Safety

The RCMP and Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) have formed a partnership aimed at reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on Saskatchewan roads. Both education and enforcement will be used in an effort to change high-risk driving behaviours by motorists in this province.

On the enforcement side, the Commanding Officer of the RCMP in Saskatchewan is making traffic safety a priority for the Force in this province. All members of the RCMP are being asked to focus their attention on driving violations, especially those most often involved in fatal and serious injury crashes: impaired driving, failing to wear a seat belt and speeding. Statistics show these violations are even more prevelant in rural areas.

“Our emphasis on traffic may result in more people being stopped and charged,” says Assistant Commissioner Harper Boucher, “F” Division Commanding Officer. “We are not doing this to increase our statistics, we are doing it to increase public safety on Saskatchewan roadways. I make no apologies for RCMP members handing out more tickets if it gets the message out that drivers must obey traffic laws for their own safety and the safety of everyone on the road”

SGI will assist the RCMP with education measures.

“SGI is committed to making available all of our educational resources, such as research, data analysis and program development assistance, in order to aid the RCMP in educating its members and the public on the importance of traffic safety in rural Saskatchewan,” said Maynard Sonntag, Minister of Crown Investments Corporation.

The partnership will continue to monitor statistics on serious crashes and come up with ways to improve safety on the roads.

For more information, contact:
Shannon Ell
Supervisor, Traffic Safety Promotion
SGI Communications
Regina
Phone: (306) 775-6179

For additional information, contact:
RCMP Community Services
Heather Russell
Regina
(306)780-6178

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