Uko Akpanuko
Daily Herald
SGI’s latest monthly traffic spotlight focuses on encouraging family discussions about the effects of impaired driving.
The agency highlighted the need for parents to have safety discussions with their kids as they are growing up about the dangers of impaired driving, while also discussing options for avoiding impaired driving.
SGI Media Relations Manager Heather Hubic said kids may not need the advice now, but it will be useful when they are older.
“We think that this is an important topic that we should have in all sorts of different settings,” Hubic said. “We just want to create more awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, and that conversation can start with your kids and we thought that this would be a good opportunity for parents to have that discussion with their kids to remind them about the dangers of impaired driving. The earlier we can start to remind kids about those dangers perhaps it will follow them into their life and they will make good choices in the future.”
An average of 32 people die every year on Saskatchewan roads due to impaired driving, according to an SGI press release. SGI stats show drivers under the age of 21 were responsible for 14 per cent of impaired driving collisions, despite making up only eight per cent of drivers.
“Of course it’s concerning when anybody is involved in an impaired driving related collision,” Hubic said. “Impaired driving, on average, 32 people a year die because of it on our highways and that is just far too many. That means there are people who aren’t going to be able to have the opportunity to celebrate their next birthday with their family and they won’t be coming home at the end of the day.
“Impaired driving is a very serious issue and when we see discouraging stats that people are still partaking in this super-dangerous activity, it just reminds us there is still work to do.”
In their press release, SGI advised parents to help their teens “build an exit plan” so they have confidence to say no to a ride with an impaired driver. That includes things like calling a ride share service, or seeking a ride from a family member.
SGI also encouraged parents to set a good example.
“Actions speak louder than words,” reads the press release. “Making smart choices yourself can be a great influence on the people around you. Be open about calling a rideshare service or depending on a sober friend to get home safely. Your kids will see you doing the right thing and make better choices themselves.”
If your teen is a new driver, it is important to know that there is zero tolerance for drug or alcohol impairment for new drivers in Saskatchewan.
“Talking about driving sober doesn’t need to be super-serious or boring,” Saskatchewan Auto Fund COO JP Cullen said in a press release. “It might be a casual conversation on the way to the store, a quick chat when your kids are heading out the door, or a discussion while you’re playing a game together. There’s no wrong time to have the conversation, but talking to your kids about the danger of impaired driving could save a life.”
Safe driving advice is available on SGI’s website. If you want to bring the conversation into your community through a club, a sports team or a classroom, reach out to SGI’S Traffic Safety Community Outreach team at trafficsafety@sgi.sk.ca with your idea.
Also parents are advised to follow SGI on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for more safety tips, traffic advice, and examples of those who always find a safe ride home.
-with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald
