The Regina Police Service is asking for help from the public in keeping streets safe tonight and every other night.
From January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2015, there have been 652 impaired driving charges in Regina. This number includes impaired driving due to alcohol and drugs, refusing to provide a breath sample (the same charge as blowing a .08), and exceeding .08. In Regina in 2015, to date, there have been 7 instances where impaired driving has caused bodily harm. Fortunately, there have been zero cases where impaired driving has caused death this year, to date.
In 2015, the Regina Police Service engaged in twenty-one SGI funded “Enforcement Overdrives”, focusing on impaired driving. 85 SOTI’s (Summary Offence Ticket Information, aka tickets) were issued, ASD’s (Approved Screening Devices) were used 139 times, 25 seventy-two hour license suspensions were issued, 36 criminal code charges for impaired driving were issued and 53 impounds were issued during these twenty overdrive enforcements. The remaining 605 impaired driving charges were the result of regular enforcement throughout the rest of the year.
Drinking and driving is an activity that can be easily avoided, yet it is still one of the leading causes of fatal collisions in Saskatchewan. There are many ways in which you can get home safely after a night out:
- Call a Cab
- Don’t Drink
- Call or arrange for a sober friend/family member to pick you up
- Use a designated driving program (In Regina, call Operation Red Nose, Zero 8, or First Choice Designated Drivers)
SGI Saskatchewan Stats:
In 2014*, there were 1,135 alcohol/drug-related collisions, resulting in 55 deaths and 530 injuries.
In 2014), there were 3,377 collisions related to distracted driving, resulting in 26 deaths and nearly 600 (592) injuries. *2014 numbers are preliminary.
Anyone who drinks and drives is a hazard to everyone else on the road. The same goes for people who text and drive. The possible outcomes are expensive and, in the case of a collision, could cost someone a life. Anyone who witnesses an impaired driver or knows of someone who is going to drive while impaired, is asked to immediately call 9-1-1. The Regina Police Service thanks the public for their assistance in this matter and wishes everyone a safe and happy 2016!
