A new, collaborative approach to help address impaired driving in Saskatchewan will be tested by the Government of Saskatchewan from the August long weekend until Labour Day. Five pilot projects have been designed through collaboration between various government ministries and agencies, law enforcement and Crown corporations. These projects will be implemented in different areas across the province. 
 
“Saskatchewan has a problem with impaired driving and it’s important we approach this issue with all the tools at our disposal, because even one death or injury from impaired driving is too many,” Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Tina Beaudry-Mellor said. “Government, law enforcement and Crown corporations have come together on these five pilot projects that present innovative ways to look at a critical problem facing our province.” 

The projects are: 
Drive Dollars
Lead: Innovation Saskatchewan
Overview: In this project, bar patrons will be asked (as they order drinks) if they would like to put a small amount of money toward a “tab” for a taxi.  This amount of money will be matched in part by the provincial government. The project will gather data and assess whether a small matching contribution by the government would increase the likelihood of bar patrons planning ahead for a safe ride home. 

Liquor Permit Regulatory Review
Lead: Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority
Overview: This project added two questions to the liquor permit application, to prompt applicants to develop a plan for guests to have a safe ride home. 

Positive Ticketing
Lead: SGI
Overview: The project aim is for police officers to give a “positive ticket” to sober/designated drivers at scheduled police check stops and/or routine traffic stops.  The tickets will encourage recipients to speak about their experience on social media using the hashtag #CareAboutImpaired. Ticket recipients who use the hashtag publicly will be eligible to win one of 25 $150 VISA gift cards. 

Sobering Messages
Lead: Ministry of Corrections and Policing
Overview: This project is focused on impact messaging through a couple of streams.

  • Community Engagement: having police officers visit local bars and pubs to encourage patrons to plan ahead and plan a safe ride home. 
  • Social Media Campaign building awareness around and promoting responsible use: the social media handles on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook are @Sask0804 using the #howareyougettinghome (Sask0804 refers to the August long weekend date as well as the impairment levels under the criminal code).

Packaging Innovation
Lead: Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority
Overview: This project involves placing children’s drawings on brown liquor store bags, to get people to consider and discuss the consequences of impaired driving.
 

Once complete, the project results will be analyzed to understand what initiatives may have the potential to reduce impaired driving in Saskatchewan when implemented on a larger scale. 

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Trade and Export Development
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4765
Email: deb.young@gov.sk.ca