‘Impaired driving is completely senseless’: SGI making sure everyone gets home safe during holidays

McMurchy said the numbers may not be higher due to the fact people may be more aware of the consequences of impaired driving during the Christmas season.

This month, law enforcement will be keeping a keen eye on those who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Some ways of doing that might be a roadside checkstop, most of which might be seen in larger centres. Although they may not be seen as much in the rural areas, McMurchy said police could be using some more quiet techniques like an unmarked car at a local bar or down a rural street. He said over the last five years, most fatal accidents don’t actually happen in the bigger centres.

“When you added those up,” McMurchy told northeastNOW. “Only about 12 per cent of those happened within the city limits, or a town, or a village. Most of them happened outside those urban centres.”

Meanwhile, with cannabis being legalized for a few years now, McMurchy said they haven’t really seen a spike in impaired driving from cannabis. He said people have been consuming cannabis for a while now, and law enforcement know how to detect drug impaired drivers. Drug impaired driving is zero tolerance and could result in a roadside suspension and even more if convicted.

McMurchy said they don’t want to deter people from having a good time, but SGI just wants to make sure everyone is safe.

“We want people to keep in mind the importance of planning a safe ride home,” he said. “If they are getting together in a scenario that involves any substances that may impair their ability to drive.”

He said there are many options to get a safe ride home including taxis, ride sharing services, designated drivers, and staying the night, but McMurchy added it’s good to make sure you don’t just fly by the seat of your pants.

“The most important thing to do though is to make a plan before you go out so you know how you’re getting home,” he said. “Or if you are planning to stay the night wherever you’re going, that’s always a valid option too, but you should never get behind the wheel when you’re impaired.”

Consequences for impaired driving in Saskatchewan are stricter than most provinces. It could start with a roadside vehicle suspension and impoundment, along with driving without impairment courses and increase from there.

For new drivers, meaning those under 21 or have their learners or novice licenses, it is zero tolerance for driving while under the influence. For experienced drivers, if someone records a Blood Alcohol Content of more than .04, it could result in license suspensions and vehicle seizures and more. All of those consequences could include jail time or fines imposed by the courts.

“Impaired driving is completely senseless,” McMurchy said. “It’s completely and 100 per cent preventable.”

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6

by Mat Barrett

‘Impaired driving is completely senseless’: SGI making sure everyone gets home safe during holidays

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