REGINA – Police removed 23 drivers from Saskatchewan roads during an intensive long weekend traffic enforcement campaign in the Regina Beach area, highlighting that impaired driving remains a concern even as the region avoided any reported collisions.
Between July 31 and Aug. 2, officers from the Lumsden RCMP, neighbouring Saskatchewan RCMP detachments, Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol carried out three traffic safety check stops aimed at detecting impaired drivers.
During the operation, officers conducted approximately 950 mandatory alcohol screening tests and 25 roadside drug screening tests.
The enforcement effort resulted in two impaired driving charges under the Criminal Code. Officers also issued roadside suspensions to 10 drivers who had consumed alcohol before driving and 11 drivers who had consumed drugs before getting behind the wheel.
In total, 23 drivers who had consumed alcohol or drugs before driving were removed from Saskatchewan roads during the three-day campaign.
Beyond impaired driving enforcement, officers issued 20 traffic tickets, two tickets under The Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act, and 36 written warnings for other traffic-related offences.
"Thanks to the planning and effort by the Lumsden RCMP on these check stops, 23 people who chose to consume alcohol or drugs before driving were taken off the road," said Staff Sergeant Jason Sauve of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services.
While officers reported no collisions in the Regina Beach area over the busy long weekend, Sauve said the results demonstrate that some motorists continue to make dangerous decisions.
"While we are pleased to report there were no collisions in the area during the long weekend, these results show people are still making unsafe choices," he said. "Saskatchewan RCMP will continue working to remind people that driving after drinking or consuming drugs is a danger to yourself, your passengers and others on the road."
