Saskatchewan law enforcement are cracking down on intoxicated motorists this December. Police will be looking for drivers who are impaired by drugs or alcohol throughout the holiday season.
Impaired driving was the number one contributing factor for traffic-related fatalities in the province in 2014, according to Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). On average, there are over 1,300 crashes annually involving alcohol and/or drugs, resulting in 58 deaths.
“Impaired driving collisions are 100 per cent preventable. With so many options to not drive impaired, there are no excuses,” said Earl Cameron, SGI auto fund vice president.
“When planning a night out, make a safe ride home part of your plan. Choose a designated driver in advance, call a taxi or designated driving service, take the bus, walk, or stay over.”
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Besides risking people’s lives, there are a number of offences such as fines, suspensions, vehicle seizures and jail time that punish convicted impaired drivers in Saskatchewan.
SGI officials say some prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs can also impact people’s ability to operate vehicles. Drivers should go over side-effects with their doctor or pharmacist.
Last year, the province-wide traffic safety spotlight also focused on driver impairment. In total, there were 381 offences related to alcohol or drug use in December 2014.
SGI is once again sponsoring a campaign to make sure people get home safely. Operation Red Nose is available until Dec. 31 in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and the Battlefords.
Campaign volunteers are prepared to hit the road to pick up people and drive them and their vehicle home free of charge – although charitable donations are welcome.
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