Canada Safe Driving Week: getting everyone home safe for the holidays

Beginning December 1, 2023 Saskatchewan RCMP will be taking part in Canada Safe Driving Week. Saskatchewan RCMP detachments and other police services and government agencies across the country will be participating to ensure road users remain safe.

Impaired driving continues to be a safety concern in Saskatchewan. In the first 10 months of 2023, Saskatchewan RCMP and Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (including municipal police partner agencies) have found 2643 drivers who have recently consumed alcohol and/or drugs on Saskatchewan roadways. 1560 of those drivers were charged criminally, while 1083 drivers received roadside suspensions.

“Getting behind the wheel when you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol impacts your safety as well as the safety of your passengers and other road users. We all have the power to make good decisions,” says Supt. Grant St. Germaine, the officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services. “We know people will be celebrating in the next month. Whether you’re attending a holiday gathering or hosting your own, plan ahead.”

If you – or guests – will be consuming products which result in impairment, such as alcohol or cannabis, have a designated driver assigned or plan to take a cab or transit. If no safe ride is available, stay the night and drive only when sober. Don’t take a chance. If you question whether you’re “too impaired to drive or not”, you likely are.

If you see a suspected impaired driver, pull over and immediately call 911. Signs of a possible impaired driver include: lane drifting; driving too fast, slow or at an inconsistent speed; not using proper signals; making very wide turns; approaching and leaving intersections too slowly or quickly; and driving without headlights or leaving high beams or turn signals on.

Saskatchewan RCMP will be conducting high-visibility enforcement on Saskatchewan roads and highways during peak travel times during Canada Safe Driving Week and this holiday season. When approaching a check stop, slow down and follow the directions of police officers on scene.

Saskatchewan RCMP thanks drivers for their patience and support as we work together to keep our province’s roads safe.