Regina police constable recalls impaired drivers ‘falling out of the car’

The Regina Police Service’s 12-member traffic unit has already arrested and charged 61 people for impaired driving this year, says Const. Mike Seel.

Seel, appearing on The Greg Morgan Morning Show on Tuesday, says officers normally hear the same excuse over and over again.

“The classic is, ‘I had one or two drinks.’ And when the person’s handing you their health card when you’re asking for their licence, they can’t find it. Or they just lose track of what they’re trying to do when you just ask for one simple thing. Or they’re just falling out of the car,” Seel said.

“It’s very scary when you think about it and you realize they’re trying to drive thousands of pounds home and they’re just going to hurt themselves or hurt someone else.”

Saskatchewan has had a problem with impaired driving. In 2017, the province led the country in per-capita violations — 539 per 100,000 people. In total, 6,153 charges were laid.

A person could still be impaired despite having just a drink or two, Seel said, because alcohol affects people differently depending on their tolerance level, how they metabolize it and what they’ve eaten.

He said with so many options for a safe ride home like ridesharing, transit or taxis, people shouldn’t risk it.

“If you’re questioning it, don’t drive. If you’re wondering whether you’re borderline, play on the safe side,” he said.