Even though 2019 was a record low year for the number of people killed and injured in impaired driving collisions in the province, the work isn't done. It's up to everyone to continue to bring impaired driving numbers in Saskatchewan even lower.

This is the sentiment of SGI and law enforcement, as they shine the light once again this month on impaired driving.

"It is up to all of us," said Tyler McMurchy, Manager of Media Relations with SGI. "Everybody has a role to play when it comes to preventing impaired driving."

Impaired drivers face vehicle seizures, licence suspensions, steep financial penalties, along with possible jail time and a criminal record if convicted of driving impaired.

Even with so much more awareness of the dangers of impaired driving, 21 people still lost their lives needlessly on Saskatchewan roads last year, and police have reported nearly 2,000 impaired driving offences in the first half of this year.

"It's not just about the possibility of being caught by the police. To be clear, police catch in Saskatchewan between 300 and 400 impaired drivers every month across the province. But it's not just about getting caught, it's about the consequences of what happens to somebody when they cause a collision as a result of impaired driving."

He said not only do the impaired drivers often die in collisions themselves but oftentimes they also take innocent people with them. And if they do survive but they cause another person to perish, they could face years of prison time.

"We're seeing improvement when it comes to bringing down, but really, it is up to everyone to continue to bring those numbers even lower," McMurchy implored.

"Every single person who dies as a result of impaired driving has somebody they leave behind. And they have a story that hasn't been finished. So if their story isn't done, then our job isn't done either."

So what can you do? McMurchy says having a plan can truly save lives.

"Many, I would say most, people have already decided that it is never okay to drink and drive, or to be impaired and get behind the wheel. But, for the people who haven't made that decision yet, it's time to make that decision to always drive sober, and never get in a vehicle with someone you believe is impaired by alcohol or drugs behind the wheel."

Always choose to #DriveSober, and never get in a vehicle with someone you believe is impaired by alcohol or drugs. Be a good wingman and don't let friends or family get behind the wheel impaired. Even better, you can choose to be the designated driver. Plan a safe ride home before you start drinking and your judgment is impaired.

If you're not a drinker, you can still help by reporting impaired drivers and suspected impaired drivers by 9-1-1 through the RID program.

*From January to June of this year, there have been 1,988 impaired driving offences reported through the Traffic Safety Spotlights, including 1,691 Criminal Code charges. Not all charges result in convictions, and TSS results don’t necessarily include every charge laid by police.