SGI - June Media Release

SGI - June Media Release

SGI – June Media Release

You got this! New drivers & riders should learn the rules and #PracticeUp

June spotlight on those in Graduated Driver Licensing programs

June is upon us and it’s the perfect time for new drivers to hit the road and practice their skills…within limits, of course.

The June Traffic Safety Spotlight is on new drivers in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program and riders in the Motorcycle GDL program.

Both programs are designed to ensure that new drivers and riders have all the skills and knowledge they need to not just pass the test, but to operate their vehicles safely for life.

“It’s important that new drivers study the rules of the road, know what their restrictions are, and then get out there and practice driving,” said Penny McCune, Chief Operating Officer of the Auto Fund. “Police throughout the province will be watching for new drivers and riders who don’t follow their restrictions, like learner drivers driving without a supervising driver, or novice riders not wearing the required safety gear.”

As hard as it is to share those keys, supervising drivers also play an important role in making sure new drivers get their time in behind the wheel. If you’re helping a new driver learn the rules of the road, check out A Guide to Supervising New Drivers and give yourself a refresher on the Driver’s Handbook.

Between 2012 and 2016, drivers 19 years of age and younger represented 11 per cent of all drivers involved in collisions, despite making up just seven per cent of Saskatchewan's driving population. That same age group is also overrepresented when it comes to deaths and injuries resulting from motor vehicle collisions.

Depending on what GDL stage they’re in, new drivers have restrictions relating to supervising drivers, number of passengers allowed, and time of day they’re allowed to be on the road. New motorcycle riders have those, too, as well as requirements for safety equipment and displaying the ‘L’ or ‘N’ placard indicating learner or novice rider.

If you violate the restrictions of any GDL program, the result could be a ticket, licence suspension and/or loss of Safe Driver Recognition points, depending on the incident. Generally speaking, the consequences of failing to comply with a licence endorsement/restrictions result in a fine of $150 and three demerits.

Remember: There is zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs for anyone (any age) in a GDL program. New drivers and riders are also not allowed to use a cellphone while operating a vehicle, not even hands-free. Below are some tips to keep in mind.

You got this! Know your restrictions, get lots of practice:

  • Practice, practice, practice! Definitely practice exactly the way you were taught by your certified instructor.
  • Don’t drive impaired by alcohol or drugs. Plan a safe ride home before you go out. Remember there is zero tolerance for alcohol or drugs for new drivers.
  • Know and follow all restrictions outlined on your licence.
  • Gradually expose yourself to different weather conditions and times of day.
  • If you have questions about the road test or the rules of the road, send your question tagged with #AskAnExaminer on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram or email [email protected].
  • Supervising drivers can visit the SGI website and review the latest editions of the Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook and read A Guide to Supervising New Drivers. You might even find some things have changed since you got your licence!

View more information and tips for new drivers at https://www.sgi.sk.ca/new-drivers and https://www.sgi.sk.ca/new-riders. Follow SGI on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for safety tips to #TakeCareOutThere.

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