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RCMP encourage safety during long weekend

Aug 1, 2015 | 6:13 AM

The August long weekend is finally upon us and with that comes an increase in traffic on Saskatchewan’s highways.

Staff Sargent Stephan Caron, the RCMP’s traffic unit commander for the North Traffic Services, said this long weekend is in line with the others because of how busy our roads get.

“Obviously being the summer we might see more tourists from out of province but it’s pretty much in line with any other weekend,” said Caron.

Caron said they will have more enforcement out on the road this weekend to help deal with the increase in motorists.

“We’ll be conducting enforcement operations throughout the province in various areas so you might see an increase in police vehicles on the road,” said Caron. “We ask our motorists to be careful and drive safely this weekend.”

When it comes to long weekend road safety Caron said they’re specifically looking for drunk drivers, those being impatient and aggressive drivers.

He said when people get impatient they start taking risky chances when passing other vehicles only to catch up to other vehicles farther ahead.

“We’re asking people to be patient, follow the traffic, don’t take chances and don’t take risks. Of course with the long weekend if [you] intend on drinking find a designated driver or another mode of getting home for the safety of all,” said Caron.  

There are some pretty hefty fines and consequences for those caught drinking and driving.

Caron said their car will be immediately towed and impounded and the driver’s license will be suspended until they go to court and get a final verdict.

The severity of the consequence depends on if the driver has any priors on their record.

“It’s pretty stiff right off the bat,” Caron said. If found guilty of impaired driving just once, with no priors, the driver’s license is suspended for one year and they may face some fines as well.

For those found a second or third time to be impaired while driving will lose their license for up to five years, will face fines and possible jail time, among other things.

Information on Saskatchewan’s drinking and driving laws and consequences can be found on SGI’s website.

Caron said they hear all kind of excuse when they pull people over.

“Once and a while we hear the very creative ones but at the end of the day there’s no real excuses for taking chances or risks on the road, it affects everyone so we’re asking everybody to be patient and to drive safely,” said Caron.  

He said the RCMP wishes everyone a happy and safe long weekend.

swallace@panow.com

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