If you’re asked, take the test

REGINA — Police across Saskatchewan reported 312 drivers were issued licence suspensions for exceeding provincial limits for alcohol and/or drugs, while 142 were charged with a Criminal Code impaired driving offence.

In March, SGI teamed up with the Regina Police Service to increase awareness of mandatory alcohol screening (MAS). Under federal legislation passed in 2018, police have the legal authority to demand a quick roadside breath test of any driver they stop. Drivers who refuse to provide a roadside breath test face consequences equal to being caught driving impaired, which is why SGI’s friendly advice to drivers was: if you’re asked, take the test.

The Regina Police Service announced that any driver stopped during the month of March would be required to take the brief roadside test. On March 21, the Saskatchewan RCMP notified the public that its members would be conducting roadside mandatory alcohol screenings as part of all lawful traffic stops on an ongoing basis. 

 Police say that mandatory alcohol screening catches impaired drivers who would have otherwise gone undetected. The Regina Police Service said mandatory alcohol screening caught nine drivers exceeding the .08 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) Criminal Code limit, while another six were issued suspensions for exceeding the provincial limit (.04 BAC).

 Stopping impaired driving makes everyone safer. While enforcement can reduce the number of impaired drivers, the better option would be for everyone to make the decision to never get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

 Other results from March reported by law enforcement:

• 548 tickets for distracted driving, including 446 for using a cellphone;
• 375 tickets for seatbelt and car seat offences; and
• 4,473 tickets for speeding and aggressive driving offences.

Follow SGI on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more safe driving advice.

— Submitted by SGI