Residents in the Weyburn area during Feb. 24-26 would likely have noticed a heavy police presence as the Weyburn Police Service took part in a multi-agency three-day Impaired Driving Project.
In addition to the Weyburn Police Service, participating agencies included the Saskatchewan Association of Conservation Officers, Canadian Pacific Police Service, Saskatchewan Highway Patrol, and several units of the Combined Traffic Services of Saskatchewan (CTSS) including those from Regina RCMP, Yorkton RCMP, Carlyle RCMP, Broadview RCMP, Weyburn RCMP, Regina Police Service, and Estevan Police Service.
The main focus of the project was impaired driving but officers also observed many other traffic-related infractions and dealt with them accordingly. As a result, four drivers tested positive for the presence of a drug and, in addition to an immediate 72-hour license suspension and vehicle impoundment, face pending charges of Driving While Impaired by a Drug.
One driver received a 72-hour license suspension after receiving a warning result on a roadside screening device for alcohol, 44 drivers were issued tickets under the Traffic Safety Act for various infractions, and another 41 drivers escaped with a written or verbal warning. Several vehicle inspections were also conducted during the three-day project.
The Weyburn Police Service commends all agencies and officers that worked together with the common purpose of making our roads safer for everyone.
In a message from SGI, “Thanks in part to the focused efforts of those working in law enforcement, Saskatchewan has made substantial progress in the fight against impaired driving over the past decade. Fewer impaired drivers on our roads is a win for everyone, and it’s up to all of us in Saskatchewan to keep that message top of mind. SGI will continue to remind people about the dangers of impaired driving, and police will continue to use innovative tactics and tools to help get impaired drivers off the road. Even one casualty as the result of impaired driving is too many. It’s important to remember the real-life consequences of impaired driving.”
We can all contribute to the fight against impaired driving:
• Be a good wingman. Stop impaired friends and family members from driving.
• #DriveSober. Offer to be a designated driver and decide that you’ll never drive if you’ve been drinking or using drugs.
• If your plans involve alcohol or drugs, make sure those plans also include a safe ride home.
• Report suspected impaired drivers by using the RID program or calling 911.”
In addition to the three-day Impaired Driving Project, the Weyburn Police Service responded to 71 calls for service during the same week (Feb. 22 to March 1), resulting in an additional six charges under the Traffic Safety Act and two under the Criminal Code of Canada.
*Anyone with information regarding a matter of criminal nature, is encouraged to contact the Weyburn Police Service at (306) 848-3250, the local RCMP Detachment at 310-RCMP (7267), or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
