Saskatchewan Government Insurance’s (SGI) constant push against impaired driving has resulted in the lowest number of injuries and deaths from impaired driving collisions on record.
In 2019, Saskatchewan recorded 21 fatalities and 332 injuries from impaired driving. It’s an improvement from 43 deaths and 360 injuries in 2018.
The annual average for impaired driving deaths in Saskatchewan between 2009 to 2018 was 54, while the average for injuries is at 595 over the last decade.
These infographics indicate fatalities and injuries from impaired driving accidents in Saskatchewan over the last decade. (Images courtesy of SGI)
Minister responsible for SGI Joe Hargrave said he’s noticed a greater effort from the public in the last couple years to help bring the numbers down.
“The people of Saskatchewan have been listening,” said Hargrave during Wednesday’s announcement in Regina. “We’re going to stay on track this year if we keep hammering out there to not drive impaired by drugs or alcohol, being a good wingman, stopping friends.”
“No one should ever have to experience the pain of losing a loved one to something as senseless and unnecessary as impaired driving,” said Linda Van de Vorst.
Linda and her husband Lou Van de Vorst lost their son, daughter-in-law and two young grandchildren in 2016 after they were killed by an impaired driver. As much as it pains the Van de Vorst’s to retell their story to others, Linda said it’s important that people hear their story so they can make the right choices.
“It’s encouraging to see progress on Saskatchewan’s impaired driving rates. We have the power – and the responsibility – to keep impaired driving from destroying anyone else’s life.”
Hargrave credited the downward trend to multiple factors, including the families of victims who continue to share their stories in the hopes of convincing people to not get behind the wheel while under the influence.
He said it’s going to take the same effort from everyone in the province if they want to continue seeing change.
“It’s a culture change. We’re starting to make that change, but it’s going to take a while to get that number down to zero.”
Other resources and initiatives he highlighted that have made a difference with impaired driving attitudes and behaviours include increased enforcement, tougher penalties and more awareness through social media and public education efforts.
