Police across the province were on the lookout for new drivers practising their skill during the month of June for SGI's Traffic Safety Spotlight. 

"During the month of June," shared Tyler McMurchy, with SGI, "police and SGI were focused on new drivers and new motorcyclists. Those in the graduated drivers licensing program and the motorcycle graduated licensing program."

"We are encouraging them to get out there and practise, sharpen their skills, experience different types of traffic, different roads, different types of driving situations. We also want to make sure that they follow the requirements outlined on the licence. And police were looking for drivers who weren't doing that."

Police issued 79 tickets to new drivers. There were 46 tickets for not driving with a supervising driver, 25 for not following the restriction or riding without the appropriate endorsement. Five tickets were handed out for driving a vehicle under 16 years of age without authorization and three tickets were issued to motorcyclists for not displaying the appropriate learner or novice placard on their bike.

"One of the things we want to do is reinforce those good driving behaviours so when they practise and do so according to the restrictions, they'll be safe drivers. Not just so they can pass the test and get through to being an experienced driver, but also just to be a safe driver for life."

He added that drivers are over-represented when it comes to collisions, injuries, and fatalities on Saskatchewan roads.

"We want to make sure that they are just getting their feet wet when it comes to driving or riding a motorcycle that they have those skills sharp and those good habits reinforced."

Other tickets issued in June:
5,670 aggressive driving or speeding offences
567 distracted driving offences - 467 for cellphone use
455 inappropriate or no seatbelt/child restraint
375 impaired driving offence - 319 Criminal Code charges

McMurchy adds that police continue to focus on this month's Traffic Safety Spotlight which is on work zone safety.

"There are more traffic police out there than there have ever been. They are driving vehicles that have automated license plate readers so they can tell if a driver is suspended or if that vehicle is unregistered or stolen or involved in any other type of crime. it's something that people need to be aware of that if they follow traffic laws, drive sober, drive without distractions, our roads will be safer." 

READ MORE: SGI Focusing Traffic Safety Spotlight on New Drivers

READ MORE: Keep Safety Top of Mind in Construction Zones