By Roger White

RCMP & SGI: Drive safely over August long weekend

Aug 4, 2017 | 11:23 AM

RCMP and SGI are reminding residents to take special care on Saskatchewan roads and highways heading into the long weekend, saying you’re more likely to be involved in a collision while travelling on a long holiday weekend than during any other time of year. If you add alcohol to the equation, those numbers almost double.

Marie Schultz with SGI said everyone should plan to have fun this weekend but use extra caution.

“We want to see people who may be impaired and that includes drinking and or drugs not to get behind the wheel at any time,” Schultz said. 

Schultz added SGI has launched a new initiative targeting friends of people who may have had too much to drive and attempt to drive.

“We are asking friends to step up and be a good wingman and if your friend attempts to get in their car stop them,” Schultz said. 

Sharing memories

North Stars reflect on one-year anniversary of 2023 championship

16h ago

Three days of action

Kinsmen Rodeo ready to kick off in North Battleford

19h ago

Top of the Podium

Sweetgrass archer takes gold at Junior Olympic Program Championships

21h ago

According to preliminary 2016 data, there were 228 collisions over the August long weekend last year, resulting in 53 injuries and one death. Thirteen of those collisions involved alcohol/drugs.

Sgt. Ryan How of the Meadow Lake RCMP responded to 31 traffic-related offences and had three impaired driving infractions. They also responded to three collisions during the three-day holiday.

He said as is the case with most long weekends, the RCMP expect to be busy.

“A lot will depend on the forecast this coming long weekend,” How said. “Regardless we (RCMP) will be busy but warm weather will make it an especially busy weekend.”

How added they will have a full complement of RCMP officers on duty this weekend.

“The RCMP will be out and as visible as possible,” How added.

In the Battlefords last year there were three people charged with impaired driving offences and 25 traffic-related infractions. There was also one collision last year during the holiday weekend.

“It’s frustrating that people are not getting the message,” Schultz said. “There has been a lot of awareness raised in recent months but people are still continuing to make that bad decision to get behind the wheel.”

Weyburn RCMP have recently launched a new initiative with bar owners and taxi companies to cut down on impaired driving where patrons turn their keys over for a taxi voucher. Users will also be entered to win a prize through random draws donated by local businesses.

In June, RCMP in Saskatchewan reported that 372 were charged with impaired driving violations, and 333 of those were charged with having a blood alcohol level of over 0.08. The legal limit is 0.04 in Saskatchewan.

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW