March, 1999

Repeat offenders slide in numbers

Reducing the incidence of drinking and driving on Saskatchewan roads is an issue SGI is always working to resolve. One of the tests of the effectiveness of new initiatives is the number of repeat offences.

Recent statistics show measures like the tougher drinking and driving initiatives that were introduced in 1996 are steps in the direction of increased safety for Saskatchewan residents. SGI is pleased to report a reduction in the number of repeat offenders, particularly in the area of drinking and driving, since the safe driving legislation was introduced.

"Our safe driving legislation, which was implemented two years ago, was created in part to address the issue of repeat offenders," said Phyllis Glowatsky, SGI's Manager of Licensing and Registration Services. "We also wanted to address the issue of chemical dependency, since drinking and driving is often a symptom of an addictions problem."

When comparing statistics from August 1996 through July 1998 to the same two-year period before the legislation was introduced, SGI found a 25 per cent decrease in the number of convictions for a second occurrence of impaired driving.

A conviction of impaired driving results when a police officer has physical evidence that a driver has been drinking, such as slurred speech, the smell of alcohol, staggered walking, etc. A conviction of driving with over .08 blood alcohol content (BAC) is the result of a Breathalyzer test indicating a BAC over the legal limit of .08 as defined by the Criminal Code.

The statistics show that there has been a 24 per cent decrease in the number of convictions for a second occurrence of driving with over .08 BAC, and a 49 per cent reduction in the number of convictions for a third occurrence.

Drinking and driving may be a sign of an alcohol addiction problem, and the laws in Saskatchewan were designed to address this issue, says Glowatsky.

Drivers who are convicted of a drinking and driving offence are screened for chemical dependency. After the screening, drivers are directed to either the Driving Without Impairment (DWI) program or to an addictions recovery program. If these steps aren't completed, driver's licences will not be reinstated.

Also created to take repeat offenders off the road is the vehicle impoundment program, which works to reduce the incidence of driving while disqualified. Under the vehicle impoundment program, disqualified or suspended drivers who continue to drive have their vehicles impounded for 30 days for the first occurrence, and 60 days for the second.

SGI found a 28 per cent decrease over the past two years in the number of convictions for a second occurrence of driving while disqualified. There has been a 25 per cent decrease in the number of convictions for a third occurrence and a 44 per cent reduction in the number of convictions for a fourth occurrence.

"While the numbers are down in almost every category, we realize the legislation can't take all of the credit just yet. There may be other factors, like enforcement levels and other reasons, for people choosing not to re-offend that we aren't able to measure," said Glowatsky.

"But the statistics for the past two years are very encouraging. We will continue to monitor the number of repeat offences and hopefully we will see the numbers continue to drop."

Repeat Offenders Driving While Disqualified

 Impaired Driving

Over 80 mg in blood (Criminal Code conviction)

For further information, contact:
Phyllis Glowatsky
Manager, Driver Programs
SGI
Regina
(306) 775-6180

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