RCMP pull 47 drivers off northern Saskatchewan roads during traffic blitz

Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services removed 47 drivers from the road during a five-day traffic safety initiative in northern Saskatchewan, including 25 drivers who had drugs in their system.

The latest enforcement initiative took place from March 4 to 8 in the La Ronge detachment area.

Officers from Yorkton RCMP Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan and Saskatoon RCMP CTSS gathered in La Ronge to target impaired driving and reinforce safe driving practices.

Police conducted patrols on March 4 and 8 while travelling to and from the area. On March 5, officers set up two check stops on Highway 102 south of Highway 915 and patrolled Stanley Mission. On March 6, they patrolled the new all-weather road between La Ronge and Wollaston Lake, as well as the Wollaston Lake community. On March 7, they patrolled La Ronge and the communities between La Ronge and Stanley Mission.

Over the five days, officers checked 275 drivers for impairment.

As a result, police suspended three licences for alcohol consumption before driving, 25 for drug consumption before driving and 16 for driving without a valid licence.

Police also charged two drivers with operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol and one driver with refusing to provide a breath sample.

Officers issued 204 warnings and 181 tickets. RCMP said about one-third of the tickets were for speeding.