TEN NEW DRIVERS REWARDED

Ten new drivers are each receiving a cheque for $1,000 as a reward for completing the new Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) program without any at-fault collisions, traffic convictions or suspensions.

"These new drivers have shown that it pays to develop safe driving habits right from the start," Minister responsible for SGI Glenn Hagel said. "While a single year is not long enough to fully evaluate a new program, initial results of the first year show a decrease in the number of new drivers involved in at-fault accidents."

The winners are:

Glenna Coleman, Regina
Deanna Dueck, Wapella
Crystal Du Hamel, Carlyle
Brennan Marcoux, Viscount
Kaitlin Cyca, Saskatoon
Renee Wenc, Martensville
Quinn Lessard, Hudson Bay
Jane Jacoby, Regina
Tammy Halkett, Little Red River Reserve near Christopher Lake
Sherry Finley, Saskatoon

The 10 winners were randomly chosen from the 6,155 individuals who successfully completed the Graduated Driver's Licensing program without any at-fault collisions, traffic convictions or suspensions by August 31st, 2006.

The Graduated Driver's Licensing Program was implemented in September, 2005 and is designed to improve road safety by exposing new drivers to incremental risks as they gain more experience in the driving environment. The cash prizes were announced to coincide with the introduction of the GDL program as an added incentive for new drivers to develop safe driving habits.

The incentive will continue for the second year of the GDL program with a cut-off date for the next draw being August 31st, 2007.

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For More Information, Contact:

Kim Hambleton SGI Regina Phone: (306) 775-6907