GETTING TOUGH ON DRINKING & DRIVING

Released on November 9, 2001

SGI furthered its commitment to get tough on drinking and driving today by

announcing an immediate 90-day driver's licence suspension for individuals

charged with impaired driving, as well as the introduction of an Ignition

Interlock Program for first-time offenders.



"The 90-day suspension will ensure immediate consequences for those caught

driving while impaired," Crown Investments Corporation Minister Maynard

Sonntag said. "The suspension also strongly discourages a driver charged

with drinking and driving from delaying a court proceeding and the

resulting consequences."



A 90-day suspension will be imposed if a driver has a blood alcohol level

of over .08 or if they are charged with refusing to give a breath sample.

After serving an immediate 24-hour suspension, drivers will have seven days

to get their affairs in order and then their driver's licence will be

suspended for 90 days.



"This new initiative sends a clear message to the public: drinking and

driving is unacceptable in Saskatchewan and has immediate and serious

consequences," Sonntag added.



In an effort to encourage individuals convicted of drinking and driving to

change their behaviour, SGI is also introducing an Ignition Interlock

Program for first-time offenders. An ignition interlock is an alcohol

sensing device attached to a vehicle's ignition system.



"A driver can't start their vehicle if the device detects any level of

alcohol in the driver's system," Sonntag said. "All attempts to start the

vehicle are recorded and drivers who continuously fail will be removed from

the program."



The minimum one year driver's licence suspension for a drinking and driving

offence can be reduced from one year to three months for first-time

offenders in the program. To become eligible for an interlock device, a

first-time offender must complete the required addictions screening and

education or recovery program recommended by an addictions counsellor.

Once accepted, offenders pay all costs for participation in the program.



"We are pleased with the introduction of both the 90-day suspension and the

Ignition Interlock Program," RCMP F Division Staff Sergeant Jimm Barr

said. "The 90-day immediate licence suspension helps toughen the

consequences of drinking and driving and the Ignition Interlock Program

provides incentive for offenders to take positive steps to deal with their

problem."



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For more information, contact:



Maureen MacCuish

SGI Communications

Regina

Phone: (306) 751-1347