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RoadSmart Report | January, 2005
SGI gets tough on drunk drivers
The high-risk behaviour of drinking and driving remains the number
one contributing factor in fatal collisions in Saskatchewan. To
combat this serious traffic safety issue, SGI has once again stepped
up its efforts to reduce the number of people killed and injured
every year.
On Jan. 1, 2005, SGI expanded the "look back" window
for defining multiple Criminal Code convictions, such as impaired
driving, from five to 10 years. A drinking and driving conviction
placed on a driver’s file on or after Jan. 1, 2005 will remain
on the file for 10 years and will be used for determining repeat
or multiple offenses. Convictions prior to 2000 will not be used
to determine the length of suspension. Saskatchewan joins eight
other jurisdictions that have widened their look back period for
drinking and driving sanctions.
Also, drivers who are issued 24-hour or 30-day roadside suspensions,
as a result of impaired driving, are now deducted four points from
their safety rating under Safe Driver Recognition.
“We’re trying to get the message out - impaired driving
is not acceptable in Saskatchewan,” says Glowatsky. “Strong
consequences coupled with province-wide education is the most effective
way to do that.”
In an attempt to spread the word about the severe consequences
of drinking and driving, SGI has teamed up with Saskatchewan Roughrider
fullback Chris Szarka to promote positive lifestyle choices to thousands
of high school students across the province.
Szarka’s presentation is based on a serious, yet engaging
discussion on the dangers of drinking and driving and encourages
students to take home contracts and sign agreements with their parents.
SGI is also on campus in at the University of Regina and University
of Saskatchewan reminding young people how important it is to plan
ahead for a designated driver.
At the University of Regina, SGI is in thousands of book bags
with a safety message in the student agenda. At the University of
Saskatchewan, SGI assists the local student union with their T.R.I.P.
(Take Responsibility for Intoxicated Passengers) program. This program
runs at university events and rewards a lucky designated driver
with a free vacation.
“While new awareness campaigns can be introduced to combat
the problem, it’s up to drivers to decide not to get behind
the wheel after drinking,” adds Glowatsky. “Perhaps
giving some thought to the legal consequences of drinking and driving
will make the decision a little easier."
For questions on the drinking and driving initiatives,
contact:
Phyllis Glowatsky
Manager, Driver Programs
SGI
Regina
(306) 775-6180
For questions on the public awareness initiatives, contact:
Shannon Ell
Supervisor, Traffic Safety Promotion
SGI
Regina
(306) 775-6179
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