August 29, 2002

TAIS annual report released

Drinking and driving was a deadly combination this past year on Saskatchewan highways.

According to the 2001 Traffic Accident Information System (TAIS) annual report, nearly 46 per cent of all fatal collisions in 2001 involved a drinking driver. This is compared to a 26 per cent involvement last year and a 37 per cent average over the past 10 years.

Seventy-four people died as a result of a drinking driver in 2001.

“Drinking and driving is still a significant road safety problem in Saskatchewan,”says Kwei Quaye, Manager of SGI's Traffic Safety Program Evaluation. “All deaths from driving after drinking are preventable, and we will continue to work with the public and law enforcement to raise awareness of this issue.”

Saskatchewan has harsh consequences for those who continue to drink and drive. By introducing zero blood alcohol tolerance for all new drivers and an immediate 90-day roadside driver's licence suspension for impaired drivers, Saskatchewan has some of the toughest drinking and driving legislation in the country.

“We must continue to search for and introduce initiatives that have been shown to make a difference,” says Quaye. “Our continued partnerships with law enforcement, like Enforcement Overdrive, ensure police check stops now occur on a year-round basis — saving lives and preventing injuries.”

The overall seat belt usage rate in urban Saskatchewan remains one of the highest in Canada at 91.7 per cent. However, a total of 69 vehicle occupants were killed in Saskatchewan last year while not wearing their seat belts and 36 of those fatalities occurred on rural gravel roads.

“We will continue to emphasize the importance of buckling up to Saskatchewan motorists, especially to drivers on rural roads, where the problem is greater,” says Quaye. “By working with people in rural areas we are confident that lives can be saved.”

If you would like a copy of the TAIS annual report, please contact Dwight McNaughton, Traffic Safety Program Evaluation, 4th floor, SGI head office, 775-6668.

For more information, contact:
Kwei Quaye
Manager, Traffic Safety Program Evaluation
SGI
Regina
Phone: (306) 775-6182

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