REGINA – The opposition NDP and MADD Canada are calling on the Saskatchewan government to get tougher with drunk driving in the province.
Both are asking for the government to come up with a meaningful strategy to lower the high impaired driving rate.
“MADD’s research and advocacy shows our province needs a real strategy and strong leadership to combat the high rate of impaired driving,” said Danielle Chartier, SGI critic for the NDP.
“The Sask. Party government needs to do more than just reiterate what has already been done. We should be leading the country in lowering the rate of impaired driving and save lives.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by MADD Canada CEO Andrew Murie who said the government could set a zero tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 22 or impounding vehicles longer.
Saskatchewan led all provinces for impaired driving in 2011, with 683 incidents per 100,000 people and the RCMP said it was a leading factor in the record number of highway deaths in 2012.
Highways Minister Don McMorris said the province has lowered the allowable legal limit and stepped up enforcement but admits more needs to be done.
McMorris said the province will look at what other provinces are doing before changes are made.
– With files from The Canadian Press.
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