Police, SGI continue battle against drunk driving

Another long weekend in Saskatchewan means it’s time to hit the open highway for some relaxation at the lake, maybe some camping, or just some time to catch up with friends and decompress.

Whatever you do this weekend, SGI wants to remind you to do it responsibly.

As part of its traffic safety spotlight for August, SGI is once again reminding drivers to steer away from impaired driving.

SGI spokesperson Tyler McMurchy said the midpoint of summer is always a busy time on Saskatchewan roads.

“August, typically, is one of the higher months overall when we see collisions, fatalities and injuries from auto collisions,” McMurchy said.

“Always a big part of that, especially when it comes to fatalities, is impaired driving. It is still the leading cause of fatalities on Saskatchewan roads.”

Saskatoon police demonstrated one of the many check stops that will be on Saskatchewan roads and recreational areas this weekend.

Staff Sgt. Patrick Barbar notes a new trend appearing at check stops this summer.

“Our officers are reporting that more of the people they are stopping are under the influence of cannabis and other drugs,” Barbar said.

“We’re not able to say if more people are using, or if we’re getting better at detecting it.”

Part of Thursday’s demonstration was the opportunity to try on the beer goggles that simulate being impaired.

Here’s a view of what beer goggles do to your vision, simulating the effect of impairment. (Keenan Sorokan/650 CKOM)

The goggles instantly show what a careless decision it is to drink and drive. One small step along a thin, white line becomes a monumental task that sends you stumbling.

The dizziness and disorientation soon follows as your feet seem miles away.

McMurchy said there haven’t been any impaired driving-related deaths on the August long weekend since 2015, even though your chances of being involved in a collision doubles on long weekends.

But the danger isn’t just on the roads. Barbar said Saskatoon’s focus for check stops has seen them occasionally stationed at boat launches.

“So boaters who are exiting the water will be approached by police in much the same fashion that we do on the roadside,” he said. “We just want to really get the message across that not only is it illegal to drive impaired in a motor vehicle, but boating impaired is also a problem.”

A new law that came into effect on Dec. 18 means officers can approach every car they pull over with a portable Breathalyzer for screening. Barbar thinks public reaction has mostly been positive to the new screening procedures that typically take officers 10 seconds to conduct.

McMurchy said 200 to 400 impaired drivers are nabbed by police each month. And while SGI is persistent in hammering out the message of planning a safe ride home, reporting impaired drivers and ensuring you never get behind the wheel drunk, these messages aren’t an outright ban on fun.

“Separate those activities,” McMurchy said. “We’re not saying, ‘Don’t have a couple of beer this long weekend.’ We’re just saying, ‘Make a plan, take a bus, take a cab, take a rideshare. Make sure that you’re not getting behind the wheel when you’re impaired.’ “