On June 20, 2023, White Butte RCMP hosted the MADD Regina's Crashed Car Campaign media event, teaming up with partners from the Regina Police Service (RPS), White City Fire Department (WCFD), and Mother's Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada.
The press conference focused on the increase in and impact of impaired driving, featuring a crashed vehicle on display. Karen Lovelace, MADD volunteer, shared "We hope this crashed truck is a strong reminder that it is never okay to drive impaired. Please plan ahead for a safe ride home." MADD Canada's mission is to stop impaired driving and support all victims.
S/Sgt. Corey Niedzielski, Detachment Commander of White Butte RCMP, also spoke at the event, "If no safe ride is available, stay the night and drive only when sober. Do not take a chance … Also, do not let your loved ones drive impaired". He also shared the following stat "In the last 3 weeks alone, the Saskatchewan RCMP have received 234 RID calls, which is 'Report Impaired Drivers'". If you see a suspected impaired driver, pull over and immediately call 911 to report it.
The Saskatchewan RCMP and their partners want to continue to raise awareness in efforts to stop impaired driving. In 2022, there was 1,762 impaired driving charges and 663 roadside suspensions throughout Saskatchewan. In 2023, there has already been 651 impaired driving charges and 384 roadside suspensions.
The Saskatchewan RCMP continues to target impaired driving during enforcement initiatives and as part of daily police work. This includes several initiatives in recent months specifically targeting impaired driving including 1,755 vehicles checked on National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day, National Impaired Driving Prevention Week and May long weekend safety check stops when 50 mandatory alcohol screening demands conducted resulted in two, three-day license suspensions. Throughout the summer, the public will continue to see Saskatchewan RCMP officers out on the roads targeting impaired driving and other unsafe driving behaviours. Remember: always plan a safe and sober ride home.
In photo (from left to right):
Fire Chief Randy Schulz (WCFD), S/Sgt Corey Niedzielski (White Butte RCMP), Karen Lovelace (MADD Canada), Cst. Grant Campbell (RPS)