Operation Hang Up, Buckle Up, Gear Up, the second safety blitz to target the issues of non-seatbelt use and cell phone use while driving, took place June 20 and 21. Motorcycle safety was also highlighted.

Police reports indicate that over the two days, law enforcement officers issued more than 700 tickets, including more than 200 for improper or non-seatbelt use, nearly 90 for cell phone use while driving and six for motorcycle related offences. The remainder were for infractions such as speeding, failing to stop at stop signs and other traffic safety offences.

Through these monthly traffic safety blitzes, SGI and law enforcement partners aim to raise awareness of various traffic safety issues in the province. The ultimate goal is not to issue a certain amount of tickets, but to make the roads safer for all Saskatchewan motorists, states an SGI press release.

Agencies involved included rural and larger municipal services and the RCMP, among others.

May’s co-ordinated traffic safety blitz, Operation Overdrive, resulted in 1,300 tickets being issued, including 50 impaired driving charges, 700 for aggressive driving, more than 120 for improper or non-seatbelt use and nearly 60 for cell phone use while driving.