September, 2001

TAIS annual report released

Drinking and driving is a deadly combination, and Saskatchewan motorists could be getting the message. According to the 2000 Traffic Accident Information System (TAIS) annual report, alcohol-related crashes have declined over the past year.

Over the last 20 years, SGI statistics show that alcohol has been a contributing factor in 35 to 50 per cent of fatal crashes. Results from 2000 are encouraging as the number of fatal crashes that involved alcohol declined to 28.5 per cent, following two years of successive increases with 40.6 per cent in 1998 and 43.2 in 1999.

"We want to thank everyone who has made a decision to not drive after drinking. These numbers clearly show your actions are saving lives," says Kwei Quaye, Manager of SGI's Traffic Safety Program Evaluation. "However, all deaths from driving after drinking are preventable, and we will continue to work with the public and law enforcement to raise awareness of this issue."

While alcohol-related crashes are declining, alcohol remains the number one contributing factor in fatal crashes, as it is cited as a factor in one of every three fatal crashes.

Unfortunately, there is no improvement in the percentage of those killed or seriously injured who were unrestrained at the time of the crash. Last year, 61 per cent of those killed were unrestrained, while seat belts were not used among 42 per cent of those seriously injured.

"Seat belt use has always been a primary focus of SGI's traffic safety promotion. Based on these numbers, we will continue to work with our partners to emphasize the importance of buckling up to Saskatchewan motorists, especially to drivers on rural roads, where the problem is more pronounced," says Quaye.

Last year was again a disappointing year for young drivers, as they continued to be over-represented in accident statistics. Drivers under age 19 accounted for twice as many fatal crashes, and almost three times as many injury and damage-only crashes, as one would expect based on their representation among licensed drivers in Saskatchewan.

"We are pleased to see a decline in alcohol-related crashes, but the results from TAIS show us that alcohol is still the number one contributing factor in fatal crashes," says Quaye. "We will continue to focus our efforts on reducing the incidence of drinking and driving. We will also work to enhance traffic safety for new drivers and to raise awareness of the importance of buckling up."

If you would like a copy of the TAIS annual report, please contact Dwight McNaughton, Traffic Safety Program Evaluation, 4th floor, head office, 775-6668.

For more information, contact:
Kwei Quaye
Manager, Traffic Safety Program Evaluation
SGI
Regina
Phone: (306) 775-6182

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