SGI and police across Saskatchewan are focusing on impaired driving as this month’s Traffic Safety Spotlight.
Spokesman Tyler McMurchy says 2019 was a record low year for the number of people killed and injured in impaired driving collisions in Saskatchewan, but the work isn’t done.
In 2019, 21 people were killed, compared to the annual average of 54 between 2009 and 2018, while 322 people injured compared to the annual average of 595 over the previous decade.
“What we want to focus on this month with the Traffic Safety Spotlight on impaired driving for the month of August is to continue to remind people that it is up to all of us to continue to work to bring those numbers even lower,” he said.
“We’re also highlighting a bit this month the role that licensed establishments play. We know that there are many licensed establishments who want to see their patrons make it home safe.” McMurchy added.
SGI listed ways people can do to resolve the impaired driving issue in a news release, including:
- 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