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The decision to get behind the wheel after drinking may be 1 of the costliest choices you'll ever make.
If you drink and drive, you could injure or kill yourself or someone else. Every year in Saskatchewan an average of 60 people are killed and nearly 900 are injured in alcohol-related collisions. In fact, over 40% of all traffic deaths in the province are the result of impaired driving.
The human consequences of impaired driving are serious, very real and could last a lifetime.
Dollars and cents
If you're hurt in a collision and convicted of impaired driving, you could receive fewer benefits for your injuries than if you weren't drinking. You'll also face fines starting at $600 with no maximum.
As an impaired driver, you have no insurance coverage for vehicles or property damaged in a collision if you're at fault. In other words, you must foot the bill for all repairs. One collision alone could cost you thousands of dollars.
Suspended licence
Administrative suspensions result if you drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over .08 or you're charged with refusing to provide a breath sample. In both cases, your licence will be suspended immediately for 24 hours. After that, you have 7 days to get your affairs in order before facing an automatic 90-day suspension.
Criminal Code suspensions are longer, with a minimum of 1 year for the 1st offence alone. Subsequent suspensions can last up to 5 years, during which time you are prohibited from driving any vehicle.
Driving with a low BAC
Saskatchewan has additional laws for drivers caught with a BAC over .04. Experienced drivers face a 24-hour licence suspension for a 1st offence. A 2nd infraction means another suspension along with a mandatory Driving Without Impairment (DWI) course. Subsequent offences carry a 90-day suspension and compulsory addiction screening.
If you're a new driver the consequences are even more severe. Getting behind the wheel after consuming any amount of alcohol will lead to an automatic 30-day licence suspension. Again, you'll also be required to take a DWI course. A 2nd offence carries a 90-day suspension and addiction screening prior to licence reinstatement.
Jail time
If you're convicted of impaired driving, you could face jail time of up to 14 years and a criminal record, which doesn't just limit your mobility in Saskatchewan. You'll also be barred from entering the United States.
Mandatory addiction screening and assessment
There are additional requirements to get back on the road after an impaired driving conviction. Before your licence can be reinstated, you must attend an addiction screening and assessment.
Drivers with alcohol and drug dependencies are referred to a recovery program, which may include counselling or an assignment to a treatment centre.
Those without dependencies must take part in DWI course and/or other safe-driving sessions. The $150 DWI course fee will come straight out of your pocket.
The recovery program and education sessions are mandatory. If you choose not to take part in them your driver's licence will remain suspended indefinitely.
Disqualified driving
If you drive without a licence, you risk having your vehicle seized and impounded for 30 days, and the costs associated with towing and storing the vehicle are yours alone. You could also be fined up to $2,000, imprisoned for 2 years or both.
Always plan a safe ride home
The costs of impaired driving are staggering, but they can be avoided. If you're enjoying a few drinks with family and friends, always plan a safe ride home. Have a designated driver. Call a taxi. Take the bus, or have a friend pick you up.
Just remember: Before you drink - think.
