The May Traffic Safety Spotlight results show that now, more than ever, you’re more likely to be caught if you make the choice to drive impaired, according to SGI.
Last month, police reported 404 impaired driving offences, including 352 Criminal Code charges. SGI says this illustrates that police remain focused on catching impaired drivers and some people still need to do a better job of planning a safe ride home.
SGI says it is cautiously optimistic Saskatchewan’s impaired driving problem is starting to get better – 2017 saw the lowest number deaths and injuries from collisions involving alcohol or drugs since records started being kept 1988 – but impaired driving is still the leading cause death on Saskatchewan roads.
Unfortunately, May’s results show not everyone has got the message.
Now, they’ll learn about Saskatchewan's tough consequences for impaired drivers, including vehicle seizures, licence suspensions, costly demerit points, mandatory DWI courses, ignition interlock requirements, fines, possible jail time and a criminal record.
During May, police also issued tickets for other traffic infractions including (Includes all traffic safety focus results for May 2018 submitted by police as of June 25): 544 distracted driving offences (including 447 for cellphone use); 6,087 tickets for speeding or aggressive driving; and 445 offences regarding seatbelts/child car seats.
Remember, impaired is impaired. In Saskatchewan, it’s currently illegal and will continue to be illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, even once marijuana use becomes legal in Canada later this year.
Police continue to focus on new drivers in June. Follow SGI on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for safety tips to #PracticeUp and #TakeCareOutThere.
