(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Impaired Driving Numbers

P.A. impaired driving charges drop in 2022, continuing overall downward trend

Jan 25, 2023 | 5:10 PM

Prince Albert is continuing to see impaired driving stats trend in the right direction.

According to the Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS), 73 people were charged or investigated last year after clocking in over the legal limit of alcohol or marijuana or for simply refusing to get tested. This is down from 2021, which had 105 instances.

Going as far back as 2016, the stats have dropped every year, except 2020 which saw a roughly nine per cent increase. In 2016, PAPS charged 200 people throughout the year.

PAPS spokesperson Charlene Tebbutt told paNOW it’s good to see fewer and fewer people drive while impaired, however, 2022’s number is still too high.

“We think that any number is still too many,” she said. “Impaired driving is entirely preventable, there’s no reason why someone should be behind the wheel.”

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Tebbutt added the drop in charges isn’t because police aren’t doing enough to catch those getting behind the wheel. In fact, she explained the number of initiatives they continue to undertake is consistent, and in some cases better, than years past. This includes campaigns with Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD).

“We partner on check stops, awareness campaigns, interviews in the community, and signage to make people aware,” Tebbutt said. “We continue to promote safe driving with the check stops, television ads, media advertisements, stories, and social media.”

She also explained that the community is playing a big part in these numbers driving. From simply not getting behind the wheel to taking part in the Report Impaired Drivers (RID) program which encourages anyone to pull over and call 911 if they suspect someone is driving while impaired.

Meanwhile, MADD Prince Albert is happy to see the numbers continuing to trend downward.

“That’s a sign our community is getting healthier,” said Karen Anthony-Burns, the treasurer for MADD Prince Albert.

Just like PAPS, they believe one person behind the wheel is way too many. Back in December, the group joined PAPS for a holiday check stop which ended up finding several people driving when they shouldn’t be.

“I think we can still do a better job,” said Anthony-Burns.

She also noted they have a great relationship with PAPS and believe the work they do together is making a difference in the community.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow