Â鶹ÊÓƵ

As the province begins to re-open this summer, many are likely planning to go more places, see more people and do more things.  

SGI reminds drivers, testrictions may lift and rules may change, but one thing will remain constant;impaired driving is still not allowed. SGI advises that if plans involve alcohol or drugs, drivers must plan for a safe ride home.  

SGI says it is issuing this reminder, given the results of the May Traffic Spotlight on impaired driving.  For the month of May, police reported a total of 507 impaired driving offences, including 366 Criminal Code charges and 141 roadside administrative suspensions.  

An impaired driving charge and conviction can ruin more than just your summer plans, SGI warns.  start with an immediate licence suspension and vehicle impoundment.  Upon conviction, offenders are faced with a criminal record, safe driver recognition penalties, ignition interlock requirements, mandatory driver education, along with any fines or jail time imposed by the court.  

While an impaired driving conviction can cost dearly, an impaired driving collision can cost everything, SGI advises. In 2020, 32 people in Saskatchewan lost their lives as a result of impaired driving.  

Other results reported during May:  

• 727 distracted driving tickets, including 617 for using a cellphone while driving; 

• 7,113 tickets issued for speeding and aggressive driving offences;  

• 525 tickets for seatbelts and car seat offences.