Here's what you need to know about going through a check stop this holiday season
As the holiday party season begins, the Saskatchewan RCMP and Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) are keeping a close eye on impaired driving.
RCMP say there are more traffic check stops scheduled than average in the coming weeks.
“We have approximately 25 to 30 check stops planned throughout the whole province during the month of December,” Cpl. Marsha Shaw said.
When planned check stops are in place, Cpl. Shaw said officers are trying to get through as many vehicles as possible for screening.
“People are coming back from holiday celebrations and parties and maybe have had one or more cocktails than they usually have. That’s all we want to do is talk to the driver, perform a breath test and just make sure everyone is sober,” she said.
If someone comes across a check stop, Shaw said all they have to do is roll down their window, have their license and registration ready, and comply with a breath test if asked.
Under federal law passed in 2018, it is mandatory for drivers to cooperate with a breath test if asked by a police officer.
“A lot of people don’t know that,” Shaw said.
“It takes ten seconds of your time and that’s it. If they’re sober, they’re on their way.”
With more officers patrolling for impaired driving, SGI is reminding drivers of some alternatives to keep everyone safe if they are consuming alcohol or marijuana.
Those include calling a sober friend for a ride, choosing a designated driver, taking a cab or rideshare or staying put for the night.
“The number of charges that we’ve seen [in December] over the past few years is, I’d say, average or below average of what you see throughout the year,” Tyler McMurchy, a spokesperson with SGI, said.
“I think people are cognizant of the fact that enforcement is very strong. They do have holiday plans, but they also make those plans for safe rides home.”
SGI said party hosts should ensure their guests are getting home safe or should offer them a place to stay if intoxicated.
If a driver is caught behind the wheel while impaired, there are a number of penalties they could face.
There is a zero tolerance policy for drug impairment. If a roadside saliva test detects any marijuana, SGI said the penalty starts with a three day vehicle impoundment and a three day license suspension for an experienced driver. Penalties are higher for new drivers and repeat offenders.
There are criminal charges if a drug test detects consumption over a certain level.
With alcohol, the legal limit is .04 for experienced drivers. Anything exceeding that could result in a brief vehicle impoundment, license suspension, impaired driving education and Safe Driver Recognition penalties.
If a driver exceeds .08 on a test, there are criminal charges which comes with longer term license suspensions and impoundments, fines and potential jail time.
“And if you don’t get caught and cause a collision, you’re looking at human costs of injuries, death or extensive property damage for which you have no insurance,” McMurchy said.
“If you plan a safe ride, or help someone get home safe, it’s a win-win all around.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.