The Saskatchewan government is testing a system that rewards designated drivers as it attempts to curb high rates of drunk driving.
The plan would see police hand sober drivers ‘positive tickets” which, when used with the hashtag #CareAboutImpaired, would make them eligible to win one of 25 $150 Visa gift cards. This pilot is being run by SGI, and includes police across the province.
“Police of course are very focused on impaired driving. It’s the number one cause of death on Saskatchewan roads, so anything we could do to reinforce those positive behaviours,” SGI media relations manger Tyler McMurchy said.
Two pilots will be putting bars in the focus.
“About 50 per cent of the impaired driving incidents that we have occur on the weekends, and they happen between the hours of 2 and 3 a.m.,” Innovation Saskatchewan Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor said.
Drive dollars is another pilot project where people drinking at a bar would be asked to put money towards a tab for a taxi. Currently this is only available at Victoria’s Tavern in Regina. Other bars may join the program later.
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A customer can put $5 toward “drive dollars,” and the province and a designated driving service will each match that contribution. The customer then gets a $15 voucher toward a safe ride home.
Uniformed officers will also be stopping by bars in Moose Jaw, Regina and Saskatoon to help steer patrons in the right direction.
“The police will show up and will just say hey everyone, hope you’re having a great time and make sure you don’t drink and drive,” Beuadry-Mellor said.
Two questions will also be added to liquor permit applications for special events like weddings. These questions will focus on developing safe ride home plans for guests.
Finally, children’s drawings will be put on brown bags at SLGA locations. These drawings will help illustrate the impact of impaired driving.
The pilots are to be tested from August long weekend until Labour Day.
Beaudry-Mellor says it’s important to use every tool at the government’s disposal because even one death or injury from impaired driving is too many.
With files from The Canadian Press
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