Drive sober and buckle up: SGI
REGINA ‑ Impaired driving is the leading factor in auto crash fatalities in Saskatchewan, according to SGI, but in many of those tragic deaths, it’s not the only factor.
In a press release, SGI reveals more than one-third of impaired driving deaths also involve someone not wearing their seatbelt. Over the last five years*, a total of 172 people have been killed in impaired driving collisions on Saskatchewan roads. In 60 of those cases, people were also not properly restrained in their vehicles.**
“Driving impaired is dangerous, and not wearing a seatbelt is reckless; unfortunately, where you find one, you often find the other,” said Kwei Quaye, SGI Vice-President of Traffic Safety. “The combination significantly compounds the risk of a bad outcome, because driving impaired greatly increases the chance you’ll be in a crash and being unbelted increases the chance the crash will kill you.”
“Driving while under the influence can lead to a litany of bad decisions – including not buckling up.” said S/Sgt. Chad McLeod of Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan/Saskatchewan RCMP.
“When you’re impaired, you’re not making sound decisions and have no business being behind the wheel of a vehicle. Our plea to the public is this: please don’t become a statistic. We don’t want to be going to your family’s door one day to tell them that you’re never coming home again. Drive sober, drive safe – or plan a safe ride home – and don’t break the good habit of wearing your seatbelt each time you get in a vehicle.”
For the June Traffic Safety Spotlight, SGI and police want to remind drivers that road safety comes down to making good decisions, like:
Always driving sober;
· Planning a safe ride if you’re not going to be sober (i.e. designating a driver, or taking a taxi, rideshare, or designated driving service);
· Buckling up, every time;
· Never getting into a vehicle with a driver who is impaired;
· Helping impaired friends find a safe ride home or letting them stay the night; and
· Calling 9-1-1 to report suspected impaired drivers.
Aside from the potentially fatal outcome of a crash, being caught driving impaired results in a host of consequences that include licence suspensions, vehicle impoundments, financial penalties, driver education, a requirement to install and use Ignition Interlock and the potential for a criminal record and incarceration. A ticket for not wearing a seatbelt costs the recipient $175, plus three demerit points.
Stay tuned to SGI’s social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) this month.
*2017-2021 inclusive. 2021 statistics are considered preliminary and subject to change.
**Includes both unrestrained drivers and passengers killed in impaired driving collisions
