Saskatchewan North District RCMP members are taking a pro-active approach to deter and prevent impaired driving, according to an RCMP press release.
Police say, as a part of F Division priorities, members are committed to several impaired driving enforcement initiatives including Operation Impact, which is slated for Thanksgiving weekend, Oct. 5 to 8.
Operation Impact is a National Traffic Safety campaign to raise public awareness of the risks associated with engaging in dangerous and often illegal driving behaviours.
During Operation Impact, Saskatchewan RCMP will be conducting traffic check stops to identify drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol, and remove these drivers from theroadways.
According to the release, traffic safety is a priority for the Saskatchewan RCMP.
“We are committed to reducing the number of lives tragically lost or forever changed on our roadways,” says Sgt. Aaron Kading in the release.
“A small decision can have significant, permanent consequences. Impaired driving is an entirely preventable cause of death and injuries that has immense costs and devastating effects in our communities.
“Everyone has the right to come home safe.”
Those planning to drink, are urged not to drive.
“While most people understand that drinking alcohol and driving is dangerous, people need to understand that using drugs, illegal and prescription and driving is just as dangerous,” Kading states.
“Drugs can impair judgment and reaction times while driving creating the same dangerous circumstances as drinking. If caught driving while under the influence of drugs and narcotics the penalties are the same as driving while criminally impaired.”
