(File photo/CKOM News)

By CKOM News

Plenty of options for safe rides on New Year’s Eve: SGI

Dec 29, 2022 | 11:48 AM

New Year’s Eve is a time when many people head out to celebrate, but it’s important to plan a safe ride home so 2023 doesn’t start with an impaired driving charge.

That’s the message from SGI as 2022 draws to a close. Fortunately, SGI added, there are plenty of options for a safe ride home at the end of the night. Those options include using a designated driver, riding the bus for free in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert or Moose Jaw, using a taxi, rideshare or designated driving service, booking a limo or a party bus, calling Operation Red Nose in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Yorkton and the Battlefords, or phoning a sober friend or relative for a ride.

“While you’re partying, police will be on the job, and they’ll be looking for impaired drivers on New Year’s Eve,” said Tyler McMurchy, SGI spokesperson.

“You can expect to encounter a checkstop.”

McMurchy said it’s a great idea to plan ahead, because taxis and rideshare services will likely be very busy on the night of Dec. 31.

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Police aren’t just looking for those impaired by alcohol. McMurchy explained that police have new tools to help detect drivers who may be under the influence of drugs other than liquor.

“Police have the tools and training to detect impaired drivers, so just make sure you’re not one of them,” he said.

According to SGI, 342 impaired drivers were caught on Saskatchewan roadways during the month of November. That led to 211 drivers facing criminal charges, and another 131 issued administrative suspensions.

During November, SGI also reported 3,173 tickets for speeding and aggressive driving, 227 seatbelt and car seat tickets, and 499 tickets for distracted driving, of which 425 involved the use of a mobile device.