Government of Saskatchewan asking drivers to expect impaired driving checkstops throughout the holiday season across the province.
In a media release, the Saskatchewan minister responsible for SGI said the checkstop is an important enforcement tool and a highly visible reminder to drivers about the importance of planning a safe ride home.
361 impaired driving charges levied in Saskatchewan during December
read more
“Impaired driving remains a persistent and deadly problem that requires continued enforcement,” said Dawn Morgan. “SGI is providing additional funding to police agencies to conduct over 40 checkstops this December to keep our streets safe.”
The province said the checkstop could be on any day of the week, on a municipal road, in a city, a town, or on a highway.
Police also use roadside alcohol checks in which they can legally demand a roadside breath test from any person.
Under Bill C-46, reasonable suspicion is no longer required for an officer to demand testing, and drivers who refuse can be charged with a Criminal Code offense.
“Please be assured that the demand for a breath sample is not an allegation; It’s just standard procedure to help make sure people are driving sober,” said Supt. Grant St. Germain, who is in charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Traffic Services Division.
“We use all the tools we have at our disposal to try to keep our roads safe – roadside breath testing is one of them.”
Officials continue to remind motorists to only drive if they are sober and to seek a safe home if they are impaired.
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.