April 6, 2001

Cracking down on drinking drivers

Prince Albert Police are now armed with new equipment to deter and apprehend drinking drivers, thanks to a joint purchase between P.A. Police and SGI.

"Drinking and driving is a serious problem in Saskatchewan," Crown Investments Corporation Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "Last year, two out of every six collisions were alcohol-related. This is why SGI contributed toward the purchase of five new roadside screening devices for Prince Albert Police to check for drinking drivers."

"These new roadside screening devices will complement the newly purchased Intoxilyzer breath tester," Chief John Quinn of the Prince Albert Police Service said. "This equipment will definitely aid the Prince Albert Police Service's traffic enforcement. It will also benefit local residents by helping to make our roads safer."

SGI reports in 2000 there were 1,347 alcohol-related collisions in Saskatchewan, resulting in 47 fatalities and 915 injuries.

"Preventing and apprehending drinking drivers contributes to SGI's traffic safety goals of increasing safety on our roads and reducing claims costs," Sonntag said.

This joint equipment purchase is the result of an on-going cost-share agreement SGI has with provincial law enforcement to enhance traffic safety across the province.

"It's through the continued co-operation between law enforcement agencies and SGI we hope to see a decrease in drinking and driving," Chief Quinn said.

For media inquiries only, contact:
Barbara Cross
Manager, Communications
SGI
Regina
(306) 751-1360

For all other inquiries, call 1-800-667-8015.

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