.jpg)
Saskatchewan residents and motorists are being given a friendly reminder of the costs and consequences that come with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
SGI's Traffic Safety Spotlight for the month of March highlights safe ways home including walking, planning a ride, public transit, or calling a cab.
Jeremy Pilon, spokesperson for SGI, noted that statistics show that around 32 Saskatchewan residents are fatally injured in impaired driving incidents.
"This month, we're reminding drivers that they always have a choice when it comes to driving and impairment, and just encouraging everyone to make the right choice," said Pilon.
Impaired driving can result in drastic consequences including vehicle impoundment, license suspensions, mandatory ignition interlock, participation in alcohol and drug education courses, demerit points, and possibly even a criminal record.
"There are quite a number of penalties, and it depends on if you're impaired by drugs or alcohol, if you're a new driver or not, and things like that," he shared. "Of course there's fines and prison time, and if you've hurt or killed someone while driving impaired those fines and prison time can be quite severe."
Pilon highlighted that it's always easier to plan a safe ride home ahead of time.
"Before you go to the bar or maybe light up, just know how you're going to get home safe at the end of the day," he concluded.
Anyone interested in more information about impaired driving penalties for each driver class can head to SGI's website.