SGI is doubling its focus on impaired driving this month with the launch of a new awareness campaign.
Tyler Mcmurchy, Manager of Communications for SGI provides some details on these ads being distributed across social media, radio, and television.
"What it is is an uplifting and heartwarming campaign that we hope resonates with people because it makes the point about how you can make good choices and those good choices can help you and others be safe. When it comes to impaired driving the idea is helping the loved ones that you have in your life get home safe."
The campaign entitled "Let's get you home safe" is a sixty-second video being distributed across social media, television, radio, and newspapers.
McMurchy adds that the message coming across is not an upsetting one as it doesn't focus on the negative outcomes of impaired driving. He says if you watch the whole thing you will walk away with a good feeling in your heart.
The recent campaign coincides with SGI's monthly traffic safety spotlight as McMurchy explains.
"And for the last couple of months of the year, we are going to be focusing on impaired driving. Of course, heading into the holiday season in December. one of the holiday traditions that SGI has is focusing on impaired driving but were also going to be doing that for the month of November as well. People are starting to think about holiday parties and get-togethers and were also dealing with winter driving conditions and that's a sub-focus of the December traffic safety spotlight."
In addition, McMurchy points out that impaired driving remains the leading cause of fatalities on Saskatchewan roads. He says we see far too much of it when we shouldn't see any as it is 100% avoidable and preventable as all it takes is people making good decisions to wipe out impaired driving completely.
One new aspect of the campaign is that it focuses on the practical things you can do particularly helping someone out to get home safely. Being there for someone who may call at 2:30 in the morning to come and give them a safe ride home. We demonstrate how that can really make a difference in someone's life, says McMurchy.
The key message from SGI is that if you find yourself impaired make sure you find a safe ride home. This can be through a friend, taxi, ride-share, or even staying overnight where you are.