Over the recent May long weekend, over 3000 charges were laid as the Saskatchewan RCMP wrapped up Canada Road Safety Week.

The week-long campaign included increased patrols with check stops set up across the province. Officers were looking for anyone breaking the law but focused on impaired driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving and seat belt enforcement among others.

Province-wide, Saskatchewan RCMP made contact with 14,423 drivers and laid 3200 charges, almost exactly half-of-which were issued on the May long weekend.

The total breakdown for the week includes:

• 63 charges laid with respect to alcohol impairment

• 1 charge laid in respect to drug impairment

• 2045 charge laid with respect to speeding or aggressive driving 

• 131 charges laid in respect to distracted driving, including use of electronic devices

• 141 charges laid for seatbelt violations

The charges laid specifically on May long weekend are as follows:

• 54 charges for alcohol impairment

• 1 charge for drug impairment

• 1416 charges for speeding/aggressive driving

• 61 charges for distracted driving

• 89 charges for seatbelt violations

Although the May long weekend may act as a spring-board into summer, officials are reminding motorists to continue to drive safely, courteously and sober during the warmer months when it can be tempting to be a little more carefree.