781 Sask. drivers ticketed for failing to stop or yield last month, SGI says

January was a costly month for almost 800 Saskatchewan drivers who picked up tickets for failing to stop or yield.

According to SGI, 781 tickets were issued last month for drivers who failed to obey some of the most well-known and recognizable traffic signals: Red lights, stop signs and yield signs.

“A ticket for failing to stop or yield costs $230,” SGI said in a statement, “and being responsible for a collision comes with several other potential costs like insurance deductibles, Safe Driver Recognition demerits, and being without a vehicle while yours is repaired (or replacing it if it’s written off).”

The rules around stop signs, red lights and yield signs can be found in the Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook or online.

Plenty of impaired and distracted drivers also got hit in their wallets in January.

According to SGI, police in the province issued 289 administrative suspensions to impaired drivers over the provincial limits along with 161 Criminal Code charges.

When it comes to distracted driving, 495 tickets were issued in January. The vast majority – 403 – were for cellphone use, SGI noted.

January also saw 3,501 tickets issued for speeding or aggressive driving, and 227 tickets issued for seatbelt or car-seat violations.

Penalties for those driving well over the posted speed limits are set to increase this spring, along with the penalties for stunting and street racing.