Four hundred fifty-four drivers were suspected of impaired driving offences in March, according to the SGI’s latest Traffic Safety Spotlight.

Police across the province reported that 312 drivers were issued licence suspensions for exceeding provincial limits for alcohol and/or drugs, while 142 were charged with a Criminal Code impaired driving offence. 

March also saw SGI team up with the Regina Police Service to raise awareness of mandatory alcohol screening (MAS). Under federal legislation passed in 2018, police have the legal authority to demand a quick roadside breath test of any driver they stop. Drivers who refuse to provide a roadside breath test face consequences equal to being caught driving impaired.

The Regina Police Service announced that any driver stopped during March must take the brief roadside test. On March 21, the Saskatchewan RCMP notified the public that its members would be conducting roadside mandatory alcohol screenings as part of all lawful traffic stops on an ongoing basis.  

The Regina Police Service said mandatory alcohol screening caught nine drivers exceeding the .08 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) Criminal Code limit. At the same time, another six were issued suspensions for exceeding the provincial limit (.04 BAC). 

Other March results reported by law enforcement included 548 tickets issued for distracted driving, 375 tickets for seatbelt and care seat offences, and 4,473 tickets for speeding and aggressive driving offences.