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Following Canada Road Safety Week, held from May 13 to 19, more than 6,600 vehicles were stopped in Saskatchewan.
The safety initiative is a partnership between the Saskatchewan RCMP and Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan, including municipal police agencies.
Read more:
- Death of child on on Shoal Lake Cree Nation investigated as homicide: RCMP
- RCMP monthly update: Garrett Gardner, custody death and bail reform
- Two dead after single-vehicle crashes on Saskatchewan highways: RCMP
During the week-long initiative, 126 drivers were handed roadside suspensions, 59 related to recent consumption of alcohol before driving and 67 related to recent consumption of drugs before driving.
A handful of charges were also laid.
Forty-one drivers were charged with alcohol-related impaired driving offences, while three were charged with drug-related impaired driving offences.
According to the RCMP, 33 people have died on Saskatchewan roads so far this year.
“Not all of them are impaired driving-related but please – for your own safety and the safety of others on the road – make smart choices,” said Supt. Grant St. Germaine, officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services.
“If you are planning to consume alcohol or drugs, make plans for a safe ride home or stay put until you’re sober. Getting behind the wheel while impaired could be the worst – or last – mistake of your life.”
Consequences for impaired driving depend on several factors, according to SGI, including driver experience, repeat offences and passengers under the age of 16. But those caught with a BAC between .04 and .08 can expect an immediate roadside licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, a mandatory education program and four Save Driver Recognition demerits.
What to do when you see an impaired driver?
SGI says to pull over safely and call 9-1-1. Then, tell the operator the following information:
- Give the location
- Which direction the vehicle is going
- Vehicle description: colour, make, model and licence plate number
- Tell them what the driver is doing
- Tell them what the driver looks like, if possible.
Read more:
- Death of child on on Shoal Lake Cree Nation investigated as homicide: RCMP
- RCMP monthly update: Garrett Gardner, custody death and bail reform
- Two dead after single-vehicle crashes on Saskatchewan highways: RCMP
— with files from 650 CKOM
