June 28 , 2002

Saskatoon Cracks Down on Drinking Drivers

The Saskatoon Police Service, in partnership with SGI, will begin a new ‘Enforcement Overdrive’ program that will focus on impaired driving.

The main objectives of Enforcement Overdrive are to enable Saskatoon Police to operate additional check stops for drinking and driving and to increase awareness of the likelihood of being caught while driving impaired. The check stops will be staffed by the Saskatoon Police Service, and paid for by SGI.

“Keeping communities safe is a top priority of this government,” said Crown Investments Corporation Minister Maynard Sonntag. “Enforcement Overdrive helps achieve that goal. Having visible police check stops on a year-round basis will reduce the incidence of drinking and driving in Saskatoon, saving lives, preventing injuries and reducing claim costs for SGI.”

“Drinking and driving remains one of the leading causes of crash-related deaths in the province,” Saskatoon Police Chief Russell Sabo said. “Based on the success of Regina’s program, Saskatoon Police Service is pleased to partner with SGI to begin an Enforcement Overdrive program in Saskatoon.”

In 2001, Enforcement Overdrive allowed Regina police to set up check stops throughout the city almost on a weekly basis. More than 24,000 vehicles were checked and nearly 300 impaired driving charges laid.

There was also a reduction in the number of collisions in Regina last year compared to the five-year average. From 1996 to 2000, there was an average of 309 alcohol-related accidents per year in Regina. In 2001, there were 272 collisions, a 12 per cent decline.

“We hope Enforcement Overdrive will be just as effective in Saskatoon in reducing the incidence of drinking and driving,” said Sonntag.

The first check stop in Saskatoon through Enforcement Overdrive will take place at 1640 Warman Rd. beginning at 10:30 p.m. on Friday, June 28.

For media inquiries only, contact:
Maureen MacCuish
Assistant Vice President, Communications
SGI
Regina
(306) 751-1347

For all other inquiries, call 1-800-667-8015.


For additional information, contact:
Sgt. Keith Atkinson
Public Information Office
Saskatoon Police Service
Saskatoon
(306) 975-8209

Back to News Releases