Impaired driving is never okay, and police continue to drive that message home through strong enforcement.
In August, police across Saskatchewan reported 463 impaired driving offences, including:
- 379 drivers chargedwith one of the numerousimpaired driving offences under the Criminal Code of Canada. Consequencesfor Criminal Code impaired driving offences include licence suspensions, vehicle seizures, and – upon conviction -- fines, stiffSafe Driver Recognitionpenalties, and possible jail time.
- 84 drivers issued roadside administrative suspensionsfor exceeding the legal limit of .04 Blood Alcohol Content (for experienced drivers), or violating zero tolerance for drugs (applies to all drivers) or alcohol (new drivers). Consequences for non-Criminal Code impaired driving vioations include licence suspensions, roadside vehicle seizures, mandatory impaired driving education classes, and Safe Driver Recognition penalties.
Thanks in part to the focused efforts of those working in law enforcement, Saskatchewan has made substantial progress in the fight against impaired driving over the past decade. Last year there was a drop in the number of impaired driving fatalities. Fewer impaired drivers on our roads is a win for everyone, and it’s up to all of us in Saskatchewan to keep that message top of mind.
SGI will continue to remind people about the dangers of impaired driving, and police will continue to use innovative tactics and tools to help get impaired drivers off the road. Because even one casualty as the result of impaired driving is too many.
It’s important to remember the real-life consequences of impaired driving. Last year, 21 people lost their lives needlessly and 332 people were injured in crashes involving impaired drivers.
We can all contribute to the fight against impaired driving:
· Be a good wingman. Stop impaired friends and family members from driving.
· #DriveSober. Offer to be a designated driver and decide that you’ll never drive if you’ve been drinking or using drugs.
· If your plans involve alcohol or drugs, make sure those plans also include a safe ride home.
· Report suspected impaired drivers by using the RIDprogram or calling 911.
Other results reported by police for the month of August include:
- 7,851 speeding and aggressive driving offences
- 556 distracted driving offences, including 461 for cellphone use while driving; and
- 576 seatbelt and child restraint offences. (Still not wearing a seatbelt? There’s no good excuseand there are no shortage of ridiculous reasons to not buckle up.)
