Two Saskatchewan RCMP police vehicles were damaged this week after being struck by a pair of impaired drivers in two separate incidents.
Fortunately, no one was injured.
On Monday, May 19, Tisdale RCMP responded to a report of an erratic driver. An officer located the vehicle and turned on their emergency lights and pulled behind it. The vehicle reversed, striking the police vehicle. The female adult driver was later charged with impaired driving.
On Wednesday, May 21, as Swift Current City RCMP officer was conducting a curfew check, he watched as a vehicle – with no lights on – drove erratically then collided with the parked police vehicle.
Both RCMP vehicles were damaged, with the Swift Current City RCMP vehicle no longer driveable.
“I’ve been an RCMP officer for more than 48 years and this is a new one – two impaired drivers striking police vehicles in a matter of days,” says Supt. Grant St. Germaine, officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services. “What’s not new is my frustration that some people just aren’t getting the message: impaired driving is dangerous and can lead to tragic results. Until impaired driving is eradicated, we’ll continue to use every opportunity we have to remind drivers to never get behind the wheel while impaired, whether that’s by alcohol, drug or fatigue.”
He also points to recent Canada Road Safety Week enforcement, held from May 13 to 19 in various parts of the province. The safety initiative was a partnership between Saskatchewan RCMP and Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan, including municipal police agencies.
More than 6600 vehicles were stopped during the initiative, resulting in 41 drivers being charged with Criminal Code alcohol-related impaired driving offences and three drivers being charged with Criminal Code drug-related impaired driving offences.
“33 people have already lost their lives on roads in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction this year. Not all of them are impaired driving-related but please – for your own safety and the safety of others on the road – make smart choices. If you are planning to consume alcohol or drugs, make plans for a safe ride home or stay put until you’re sober,” St. Germaine says. “Getting behind the wheel while impaired could be the worst – or last – mistake of your life.”