Saskatchewan logs 324 impaired-driving related offences in May

There were 324 impaired-driving related offences in Saskatchewan last May, according to figures from Saskatchewan Government Insurance.

The figure includes:

• 280 Criminal Code charges, such as blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeding .08, impaired driving, or refusing a breath test
• 44 roadside suspensions (includes new drivers with a BAC ranging from .00 to .08 and experienced drivers with a BAC ranging from .04 to .08)

Impaired driving is still Saskatchewan roads’ top cause of traffic fatalities, according to SGI. “It’s 100% preventable and – with the tougher new legislation introduced in Saskatchewan at the beginning of the year – 100% not worth the risk,” SGI stated.

The province’s new legislation features a three-day vehicle seizure for veteran drivers with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .04, zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol among drivers aged 21 and under, as well as tough ignition interlock laws.

A significant surge in speeding and aggressive driving offences (the highest since October 2015), 364 distracted driving offences (251 via cellphone use), and 469 seatbelt, car seat or booster seat violations were also among the highlights of the government’s May report.

As Canada begins its summer, SGI called on drivers to plan a safe ride home after patio drinks, a day at the lake and other summer activities.

“Remember, if you drink, don’t drive and if you drive, don’t drink,” it said.