January 19, 2001

SGI Announces zero tolerance for new drivers

New drivers will face tougher regulations when it comes to drinking and driving.

Effective February 1st, probationary drivers who have consumed any amount of alcohol before driving will have their licence suspended.

Probationary drivers who drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) higher than .04 per cent currently have their licences suspended for 30 days and must complete a Driving Without Impairment (DWI) course within 90 days. As of February 1st, new drivers will face the same penalties if they drive after consuming any amount of alcohol.

Second and subsequent alcohol violations will result in a 90-day licence suspension for probationary drivers. As well, new drivers will be required to undergo an alcohol addiction screening and any prescribed education or recovery program after a second alcohol offence before their licence can be reinstated.

"This latest change is an example of SGI's ongoing commitment to saving lives and to reducing the incidence of drinking and driving, particularly among our new drivers," Crown Investments Corporation Minister John Nilson said. "The majority of new drivers, 80 per cent, are under the legal drinking age and are over-represented in alcohol collision statistics."

"Drinking and driving is the number one contributing factor in fatal collisions on Saskatchewan roads. We want new drivers to understand the risks and penalties associated with drinking and driving," Regina Region RCMP Traffic Services Sgt. Matt Lowther said. "We are confident the introduction of this legislation will help us to improve safety by getting drinking drivers off our roads."

Drivers aged 16 to 18 years make up six per cent of the driving population, but are involved in 13 per cent of drinking and driving collisions in the province.

SGI Reports in 1999, there was 1,456 alcohol-related collisions in Saskatchewan, resulting in 85 fatalities and 969 injuries. Drivers aged 16 to 18 were involved in 201 alcohol-related collisions, resulting in 13 fatalities and 160 injuries. Since 1996 in Saskatchewan, anyone getting a driver's licence for the first time is considered a probationary driver for a period of two years. Drivers with this type of licence face earlier intervention after traffic convictions, including drinking and driving offences.

"Studies have shown it takes about five years to become an experienced driver. This lack of experience combined with the effects of even a small amount of alcohol can create a deadly mix," Nilson 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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