As part of the Traffic Safety Spotlight on impaired driving last month, SGI shared a video earlier in December of first responders from across Saskatchewan sharing their holiday wishes for everyone to choose to drive sober — wishes that some chose not to heed, according to the data.
Police reported a total of 369 impaired driving offences from last month, including 288 Criminal Code charges, said a press release from SGI.
This is an increase from impaired driving offences reported from November’s safety spotlight, which totalled 209 offences including 202 Criminal Code charges, showing that impaired driving has not been stopped by the pandemic.
Individuals caught driving impaired face license suspensions, vehicle impoundment, potential fines and even possible jail time.
Other results from the December spotlight showed lower-than-average numbers for the three other offences considered to be the biggest safety concerns in the province.
Police issued 414 distracted driving tickets — including 360 for cellphone use — and 207 tickets for seatbelts and improper use of child restraints. A total of 3,453 tickets were issued for aggressive driving and speeding.
Law enforcement is continuing to put a strong focus on catching people who have chosen to drive while impaired, said SGI, to continue working on the progress the province has made in changing the culture around impaired driving.
Saskatchewan has seen a reduction in fatalities and injuries caused by impaired driving in the past year, according to a report released in June 2020. The decrease was attributed to increased enforcement, stronger legislation, and increased awareness caused by public education campaigns.
January’s Traffic Safety Spotlight is focusing on intersection and rail safety, and future
spotlights in February, May September and December will return focus to impaired driving.
