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Drive sober and buckle up: SGI

Deadly mix: Impaired and unbelted is an even more dangerous duo.
drive sober buckle up
One-third of those who die in impaired driving crashes are also not using seatbelts.

Drive sober and buckle up: SGI

REGINA ‑ Impaired driving is the leading factor in auto crash fatalities in Saskatchewan, according to SGI, but in many of those tragic deaths, it’s not the only factor.  

In a press release, SGI reveals more than one-third of impaired driving deaths also involve someone not wearing their seatbelt. Over the last five years*, a total of 172 people have been killed in impaired driving collisions on Saskatchewan roads. In 60 of those cases, people were also not properly restrained in their vehicles.** 

“Driving impaired is dangerous, and not wearing a seatbelt is reckless; unfortunately, where you find one, you often find the other,” said Kwei Quaye, SGI Vice-President of Traffic Safety. “The combination significantly compounds the risk of a bad outcome, because driving impaired greatly increases the chance you’ll be in a crash and being unbelted increases the chance the crash will kill you.”  

“Driving while under the influence can lead to a litany of bad decisions – including not buckling up.” said S/Sgt. Chad McLeod of Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan/Saskatchewan RCMP. 

“When you’re impaired, you’re not making sound decisions and have no business being behind the wheel of a vehicle. Our plea to the public is this: please don’t become a statistic. We don’t want to be going to your family’s door one day to tell them that you’re never coming home again. Drive sober, drive safe – or plan a safe ride home – and don’t break the good habit of wearing your seatbelt each time you get in a vehicle.”  

For the June Traffic Safety Spotlight, SGI and police want to remind drivers that road safety comes down to making good decisions, like:    

Always driving sober; 

· Planning a safe ride if you’re not going to be sober (i.e. designating a driver, or taking a taxi, rideshare, or designated driving service); 

· Buckling up, every time;  

· Never getting into a vehicle with a driver who is impaired;  

· Helping impaired friends find a safe ride home or letting them stay the night; and  

· Calling 9-1-1 to report suspected impaired drivers. 

Aside from the potentially fatal outcome of a crash, being caught driving impaired results in a host of consequences that include licence suspensions, vehicle impoundments, financial penalties, driver education, a requirement to install and use Ignition Interlock and the potential for a criminal record and incarceration. A ticket for not wearing a seatbelt costs the recipient $175, plus three demerit points.  

Stay tuned to SGI’s social media accounts (, , and ) this month. 

*2017-2021 inclusive. 2021 statistics are considered preliminary and subject to change. 

**Includes both unrestrained drivers and passengers killed in impaired driving collisions 

 

 

 

 

 

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