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New Drivers
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- Between 2006 and 2008, drivers aged 15 to 18 represented 6.2% of the licensed drivers and accounted for 10% of drivers involved in collisions.
- For the regular population, there are 10.2 at-fault collisions per 100 licenced drivers. This number increases to 17.6 at-fault collisions per 100 licensed drivers between 15 to 18 years of age.
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Inexperienced drivers of all ages, especially those aged 16 to
20, pose higher risks to themselves and to others on the road.
Young drivers, over the past several years, have responded particularly
well to the problem of drinking and driving. The decrease in their
rate of involvement in alcohol-related crashes has led that of all
other age groups during the past decade. They have embraced the
designated driver concept, and it has become socially acceptable
to abstain from drinking if you are driving.
Nevertheless, young drivers continue to be at a higher risk of
crashing after consuming even small amounts of alcohol. In addition,
young people often tend to ride together in groups, which compounds
the effects of a drinking and driving tragedy.
Saskatchewan has a zero tolerance policy for new drivers who drive
after drinking. New drivers who drive after having consumed
ANY amount of alcohol will have their licences suspended for 30
days and must complete a Driving Without Impairment (DWI) course
within 90 days. On second and subsequent violations, probationary
drivers will have their licences suspended for 90 days. As well,
on the second violation an alcohol addiction screening followed
by an education or addiction recovery program will be required before
the licence can be reinstated. All drivers, regardless of experience
level, who drive while over .08 BAC are subject to convictions,
fines, licence suspensions and a criminal record.
Statistics provided by Saskatchewan Traffic Accident Facts
2008.
Here are a few tips on how young drivers can avoid drinking and
driving:
- Help everyone understand that the risks are high, even after
a drink or two. If you use a designated driver, make sure he or
she doesn’t have any alcohol to drink at all.
- If your driver has been drinking, don’t get in the car!
Call your parents, a friend or relative to come and get you. They
may not like the idea of having to go out in the middle of the
night, but by morning they will probably realize that going to
get you was a whole lot better than a visit to the hospital. Consider
signing a "Contract
for Life."
- Carry some extra cash so that you can call a cab if necessary.
- Don’t be pressured into having "just one."
- Graduation is a time of celebration. Don’t let drinking
and driving spoil the party.
Promote the "Chem Free" concept — encourage alternatives
to drinking and make sure everyone has a safe ride home.
Information provided by Transport
Canada
Graduated Driver's Licensing
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