STOUGHTON
Impaired driving, whether it be by alcohol or drugs, is never a clever idea. Not only is it dangerous to the driver, but it also puts everyone else on the road at risk of dying.
In Saskatchewan, if a person has a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, it becomes a criminal offence.
A new driver who has any level of impairment will result in an immediate roadside suspension, as there is zero tolerance for new drivers.
It could result in a person receiving a fine and the vehicle being impounded for 30 days, regardless of who the vehicle's registered owner.
Upon a second offence, this could result in a person getting a much larger fine and the possibility of jail time.
Impaired driving is not worth the risk, especially when so many places are offering a designated driver program.
According to Adrianna Hutt, business advisor at Westland Insurance in Stoughton, impaired driving comes with a number of different costs.
A person can face an immediate roadside suspension, vehicle impoundment, impaired driving education requirements and ignition interlock. For repeat offences, additional penalties can be more severe.
Convictions will also include significant financial costs in fines, safe driver demerits, ignition interlock costs and mandatory driver education fees.
These financial costs are secondary to the risk of causing serious harm to one’s self or someone else.
If a person chooses to partake in alcohol or cannabis or anything else that causes impairment, it is important to plan ahead for a safe ride.
Sgt. Michael Shortland from the Carlyle RCMP said offenders could be arrested and placed in a police cell.
The public can expect to see an increased police presence during the holiday season in the form of traffic enforcement and check stops.
“Remember there is never a good excuse for driving while impaired, so please do not take the risk this holiday season,” said Shortland.
If anyone suspects that a motorist is impaired, they can call the Carlyle RCMP by calling 306-453-6707, or, if it is an emergency dial 911.
