Saskatchewan’s police agencies have reported 414 impaired driving offences throughout December, according to SGI.

Dozens of check stops and other tactics were used by police to catch impaired drivers, resulting in 240 people being charged with an impaired driving offense under the Criminal Code and another 174 issued sanctions. SGI says that included license suspensions and vehicle impoundments for exceeding provincial limits for alcohol or drugs.

All impaired driving offences come with Safe Driver Recognition penalties, along with the requirement to attend impaired driver education courses. Upon conviction, says SGI, penalties can become more severe such as suspensions, fines, and potential incarceration. 

"It’s worth noting that over the holiday season, thousands of people made good decisions and chose not to drive after drinking or using drugs.  Kudos to everyone who got a ride home from a taxi, a bus, a rideshare, a designated driving service, Operation Red Nose, or a sober friend or family member,” stated SGI in a release. 

The Crown Corporation says although the holidays may be over, finding a safe ride home is something drivers should still do year-round. 

Other results SGI reported from December include:

  • 254 tickets for seatbelt and occupant restraint offences
  • 2,931 tickets for speeding and aggressive driving offences
  • 491 tickets were issued for distracted driving
  • 411 for using a cell phone while driving
  • 80 for driving without due care and attention.