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The May long weekend in Saskatchewan is a notoriously bad one on the road when it comes to drunk driving-related crashes.
That’s why police across the province will be out running check stops, looking for impaired drivers.
“Our members, along with other police officers across the province, will be out this weekend, specifically seeking out those who have chosen to drive impaired,” Regina police Sgt. Ian Barr said in a news release.
“Anyone we find ignoring the drinking and driving laws will be held accountable. The cost of drunk driving can be immense – injury, loss of life, loss of income, and legal consequences are all realistic possible outcomes. It’s just not worth it.”
As of Jan. 1, 2017, harsher penalties have been in place. Experienced drivers who blow .04 will lose their license and vehicle for three days. Meantime, there is zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol for those 21 years and younger, and also for anyone part of the Graduated Driver Licensing program. If caught, a new driver can have their license taken away for a minimum of 60 days and their vehicle seized for a minimum of three days.
According to SGI, there were 255 crashes during the May long weekend in 2016, resulting in 82 injuries and two deaths. In 2015, there were 212 crashes with 40 injuries and three years ago, in 2014, five people died and another 52 were hurt after 198 crashes.
