June 28, 2010 – Saskatoon residents are doing their part to make their city and roads safer by taking advantage of the new Report Impaired Drivers (RID) program.
Since the program was launched in March, the Saskatoon Police Service responded to close to 750 calls reporting suspected impaired drivers. The calls resulted in 45 impaired driving charges being laid.
“The response to the RID program has been outstanding,” Minister Responsible for SGI June Draude said. “Saskatoon residents have made a difference in their community and may have saved lives by calling 911 when they felt someone was driving under the influence.”
The RID program is a partnership lead by SGI, the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) and the Saskatoon Police Service with support from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Students Against Drinking and Driving and Rawlco Radio.
“Every impaired driver we can get off the road is one less that can cause needless harm to themselves or someone else,” Minister responsible for SLGA Christine Tell said. “I commend Saskatoon residents for taking notice and reporting suspected impaired drivers.”
The Saskatoon Police Service will continue to handle the 911 calls generated by RID. In cases where officers are not able to locate the vehicle immediately, the Service will continue to mail letters, notifying registered owners of the report made to police.
“The RID program is proving to be another example of how Saskatoon citizens are willing to assist the Saskatoon Police Service in making our community safer,” said Police Chief Clive Weighill. “We look forward to the program�s continued success.”
It is recommended that drivers have passengers make the 911 call or pull over safely to the side of the road before dialing.
About SGI
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is the province’s self-sustaining auto insurance fund. SGI operates 21 claims centres and five salvage centres across Saskatchewan with a head office in Regina. SGI also works with a network of more 400 motor licence issuers across the province. www.sgi.sk.ca.
