A national initiative has come to a close following the Thanksgiving long weekend. 

Operation Impact was undertaken by police agencies and RCMP detachments in an attempt to make our roadways safer during the last few days, as long weekends typically see more traffic, which can lead to more incidents. 

Extra officers were brought in to monitor our streets and spread awareness about the importance of driving safe and getting behind the wheel sober. 

According to the RCMP, the CTSS or the Combined Traffic Safety Services Section handed out a total of 723 charges during the holiday long weekend. 

- 5 alcohol-impaired charges

- 1 drug-impaired charge

- 2 roadside suspensions

- 546 speeding tickets

- 143 Other Moving and Other Non-Moving tickets (ie: follow too close, cross a solid line, driving unregistered vehicle, etc.)

- 9 cellphone tickets

- 19 seatbelt tickets

There were also a number of check stops implemented across Saskatchewan including one on Highway 2 north of Moose Jaw, along with Highway 6 near Southey, by Filmore on Highway 33, and two on Highway 39 by the cities of Estevan and Weyburn. 

The RCMP also noted some other violations and highlights from Operation Impact. 

- 456 Written Warnings  issued

- 56 Inspection Notices issued

-A vehicle was stopped for Speeding along Hwy 1 west of White City at 178 km/hr in a 110km/hr zone.  After an investigation, the driver was charged with impaired driving.

-A vehicle was stopped after an Automated Licence Plate Reader equipped vehicle received a hit on a vehicle, after investigation, the driver was deemed to be under the influence of Drugs (pharmaceutical) and charged.

-A vehicle was stopped for failing to come to a complete halt at a stop sign, after investigation, the driver was charged with impaired driving.

Impaired driving (by alcohol and drug) continues to be an issue on the roadways in Saskatchewan.  We encourage anyone who is consuming alcohol or a drug to plan ahead and not operate any motorized vehicle.

For more on Operation Impact click here