Released on November 17, 2010
The Saskatoon Police Service has intercepted 100 impaired drivers thanks to the Report Impaired Drivers (RID) program.
The program, launched as a pilot in Saskatoon in March 2010, encourages people to call 911 if they spot a suspected impaired driver. As of early November, police had received 1,769 such calls, leading to 100 impaired driving charges. In addition, police sent 645 warning letters to vehicle owners, advising that their vehicles had been reported to police as possibly being operated by an impaired driver.
"These numbers clearly demonstrate that there are many eyes on the lookout for impaired drivers in Saskatoon," Minister responsible for both SGI and the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) Tim McMillan said. "I commend all of the Saskatoon residents who called 911, and especially the Saskatoon Police Service, for their commitment to keeping our roads safe for everyone. Who knows how many injuries were prevented and maybe even lives saved because these 100 drivers were caught?"
"The RID program is another example of how Saskatoon citizens are willing to assist the Saskatoon Police Service in making our community safer," Saskatoon Police Chief Clive Weighill said. "We look forward to the program's continued success."
The RID program is a partnership lead by SGI, SLGA and the Saskatoon Police Service with support from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Students Against Drinking and Driving and Rawlco Radio. The program expanded to Regina in September 2010.
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For more information, contact:
Kelley Brinkworth
Saskatchewan Government Insurance
Regina
Phone: 306-751-1837
Email: kbrinkworth@sgi.sk.ca
David Morris
Liquor and Gaming Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1721
Email: dmorris@slga.gov.sk.ca
Alyson Edwards
Saskatoon Police Service
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-8209
Email: alyson.edwards@police.saskatoon.sk.ca