February’s traffic safety focus is on speeding….particularly drivers who needlessly put themselves and other road users at risk by disregarding posted limits. The posted speed limit’s the recommended speed for ideal weather conditions. If the road surface is wet, snowy, or icy – or if visibility is poor – reduce your speed accordingly. You can be charged if you’re driving too fast for road conditions. Keep these six safety messages in mind……and remember to slow down in school zones and work zones to protect our kids and road workers.
• Speed limits save lives every day – today, it could be yours.
• The faster you go, the longer it takes to stop.
• By the time you realize you’re going too fast, it may be too late.
• Speeding saves a little time but can cost you a lot of money. The cost of a ticket escalates as you accelerate.
• Speeding increases the severity of the crash. The faster you drive, the harder you hit.
• When you slow down, you increase safety for you and your passengers as well as other motorists on the road.
Incidents of note
On February 8, at 12:35 a.m., CPPS received a call of a suspicious vehicle in the ditch west of Warman where the driver was slumped over the steering wheel. The vehicle ended up in the north ditch of Township Road 390 west of Warman and west of Range Road 3051. The driver admitted that he was drinking and coming from the bar. The accused was arrested and had to be helped up the side of the ditch. The accused was transported to Saskatoon detachment and provided samples of 150 mg% and 170 mg% respectfully. The accused was then lodged into cells for the night as he lives alone and has no one to look after his well-being.
On February 7 at 7:10 a.m., a CPPS member conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at Marquis Road and Wanuskewin Road. The owner of the vehicle informed his male friend in the passenger seat was having chest pains and thought he was having a heart attack. The passenger looked quite grey in colour and was nauseous. The driver requested that police escort them to the hospital or take him there. CPPS Officer decided it would be much safer to have an ambulance attend as they would be fully equipped to deal with the medical emergency. An ambulance attended and transported the male to the hospital along with his wife who was in the back seat.
On February 4 at 12:20 p.m., dispatched call of a motor vehicle collision at Township Road 372 between Range Road 3070 and 3071. CPPS arrived on scene and found a vehicle in the ditch and the complainant waiting on the side of the road next to the subject vehicle. CPPS attempted to speak with the driver but were unable to get much information other than moans and groans. CPPS confirmed that driver was conscious, breathing, and semi-alert. It was unclear what was happening at that time, but it was assumed that this was a medical concern. Saskatoon Fire Department arrived on scene and determined that he had low sugars. Medavie ambulance paramedics arrived moments later and transported driver to Royal University Hospital.
On February 8, at 10:10 p.m. police received reports of a male walking on Highway 16 near Beam Rd, approaching cars with a bottle of whiskey. CPPS located the male walking in south east driving lane on Highway 16, who presented intoxicated. CPPS offered a ride to which the male accepted and consented to a search. Two used Meth Pipes with residue were seized from his front jacket pockets, one half full bottle of Fireball Whiskey was located in the sleeve of his jacket, and three Sask licence plates were seized from his backpack. Subject was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and open alcohol in public. He was released at the Lighthouse stabilization unit and served an open alcohol in a public citation.
On February 9, at 11:19 p.m., DOCC aired a Report Impaired Drivers complaint for a possible impaired driver southbound on Highway 12 north of Martensville. Vehicle was described as a dirty white GMC truck swerving all over the road, crossing the center line. Police observed a similar vehicle southbound at a high rate of speed and subsequently performed a traffic stop. Driver presented with numerous signs of impairment and was arrested for impaired driving. He was brought before a qualified intoxilizer technician and failed to provide suitable samples of his breath for analysis. Accused was released on an Appearance Notice to appear in court in March 2023 at Saskatoon Provincial Court.