SASKATOON

SGI, police targeting impaired driving in August

Ethan Butterfield and Matt Young

Matt Young Anchor/Reporter CTV News Saskatoon

@MattYoungCTV Contact

Published Tuesday, August 4, 2020 8:11PM CST Last Updated Wednesday, August 5, 2020 4:38PM CST

A Saskatchewan Highway Patrol vehicle can be seen in this file photo.

Text:

SASKATOON -- The dangers of impaired driving will be the new focus for this month’s SGI Traffic Safety Spotlight.

The reasoning behind the new focus is SGI and law enforcement’s desire to see the number of impaired driving incidents go from record lows to absolute zero.

“What we want people to keep in mind this month and going forward,” said Tyler McMurchy of SGI. “Is the importance of keeping that up. We want to see those numbers continue to fall. Of course, there is zero acceptable impaired driving fatalities.”

Last year, 21 people died as a result of impaired driving, with nearly 2,000 impaired driving offences being reported by police during this year alone.

“We all have a role to play. Many of us have already decided that it’s not okay to drive impaired, it’s never okay to drive impaired” said McMurchy. “And it’s important to continue to do that, to only drive sober, and to make a plan if you’re not going to be sober.”

Those who are charged with impaired driving face serious repercussions such as vehicle seizures, licence suspensions, financial penalties, as well as possible jail time and a criminal record.

“Fewer deaths from impaired driving is positive news, of course, but the only acceptable number of impaired driving deaths is zero,” said Penny McCune, Chief Operating Officer of the Auto Fund, in a news release.

SGI, via their spotlight announcement, has listed the following that people can do to help with impaired driving.

Always choose to #DriveSober, and never get in a vehicle with someone you believe is impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Be a good wingman. Don’t let friends or family get behind the wheel impaired. Choose to be the designated driver.
Plan a safe ride home before you start drinking and your judgment is impaired.
Know the laws. Drinking alcohol or using drugs and then driving are both forms of impaired driving.
Report impaired drivers and suspected impaired drivers by 9-1-1 through the RID program.
Become aware of the impacts impaired driving has on not only the victims, but their families