With the holiday season upon us, December’s Traffic Safety Spotlight is focused on impaired driving.
SGI asked numerous people what they are asking for this Christmas.
“Dear Santa: This year, I hope that someone decides to be a good wingman and prevents an impaired friend from driving off, even if that friend insists they’re only driving a short distance.” – Cst. Jarren Senchuk, Estevan Police Service.
“Dear Santa: This year, I wish no one would drive impaired. And if they’re planning to consume alcohol or drugs, I hope they also plan for a safe ride home.” – Penny McCune, chief operating officer of SGI’s auto fund.
“Dear Santa: I wish every vehicle we pull over at our check stops has a sober driver behind the wheel, so we can wish them ‘Happy Holidays’ and send them on their way.” – Cpl. Andree Sieber, Regina Police Service.
“Dear Santa: This year I hope that people will remember that impaired driving charges come with vehicle impoundments, licence suspensions, and there are stiff fines and possible jail time upon conviction.” – Community safety officer Lisa Robertson, Weyburn Police Service.
“Dear Santa: This year, I wish friends don’t let their friends drive after having a few of those boozy eggnogs.” – Cst. Harlovepreet Gahrha, Prince Albert Police Service.
“Dear Santa: This year, I hope people call a designated driving service, or a rideshare, or a taxi, or a sober friend to bring them home safely.” – Cst. Kris Kluz, Saskatoon Police.
"Dear Santa: This year, I hope people remember that there is zero tolerance for drug-impaired driving. If that Christmas baking contains cannabis, don’t drive after eating it.” – Cst. Harmandeep Singh, Moose Jaw Police Service.
“Dear Santa: This year, we hope there are no serious collisions that we need to respond to, so we can leave the flying to you and the reindeer.” – Raegan Gardner, STARS Air Ambulance nurse and clinical educator.
“Dear Santa: I hope this holiday season, I don’t have to operate on you or your loved ones because of a drunk driver, or drunk driving. Happy holidays, and happy New Year.” –Dr. Jagadish Rao, trauma surgeon.
“Dear Santa: This year, I hope I won’t have to knock on a family’s door to tell them that someone they love was killed because of impaired driving.” – Cpl. Marsha Shaw, RCMP.
“Dear Santa: This year, I wish that no more names get added to our memorial wall.” – Heather Tatham, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Regina. Her husband was killed by an impaired driver.