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335 impaired drivers caught in Saskatchewan during October SGI blitz

Police in Saskatchewan catch 335 impaired drivers during the October SGI blitz.
Police in Saskatchewan catch 335 impaired drivers during the October SGI blitz. Global News

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) officials said 335 drivers in the province were charged with impaired driving during an October traffic safety blitz.

Police laid 314 Criminal Code charges against drivers for impaired driving, having a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08 or for refusing to take a breathalyzer test.

READ MORE: Saskatchewan judge reduces sentence for repeat drunk driver

Another 21 drivers were charged for having a BAC between 0.04 and 0.08.

In September, SGI said 240 impaired driving charges were laid in the province – an average of eight a day.

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Last month, the Saskatchewan government announced tougher penalties for impaired driving.

READ MORE: One-fifth of Sask. residents approve drinking and driving over short distances: Mainstreet poll

Experienced drivers charged for the first time with having a BAC between 0.04 and 0.08 will have their vehicles impounded for three days and there will be zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol for drivers 21 years of age and younger.

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Mandatory ignition interlock laws are being strengthened for drivers who have a BAC over 0.16 or refuse to take a breathalyzer test. A mandatory ignition interlock will be required for two years for a first offence, five years for a second offence and 10 years for a third and subsequent offence.

READ MORE: Saskatchewan getting tougher on impaired driving with new laws

In 2015, 53 people were killed and 578 others injured in the province due to impaired driving collisions.

SGI also said 3,208 speeding tickets were handed out during October, along with 289 distracted driving tickets – including 180 for using a cell phone.

Police continue to crack down on impaired driving as part of the November traffic safety blitz.

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