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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.