Regina police conducted 637 mandatory screening tests in March

The Regina Police Service’s Traffic Safety Unit administered more than 630 mandatory alcohol screening (MAS) tests and arrested nine people during its focus on impaired driving in March.

Before the month started, police said anyone pulled over in March for any reason would have to undergo the screening.

“The traffic stops could be due to a driving infraction like a rolling stop, speeding or even simply ensuring the driver has a licence,” police said in a media release issued Feb. 29. “These stops will include the roadside alcohol screening test.

“The federal law that gives police this right actually took effect in 2018, but many drivers our officers encounter aren’t aware they are required to comply with a demand for the quick breath test, and they potentially face serious penalties for refusal.”

READ MORE:

• 781 Sask. drivers ticketed for failing to stop or yield last month, SGI says
• Penalties going up for speeding, stunting and street racing in Saskatchewan
• Regina set to crack down on rolling rights on reds

In a social media post Wednesday, Regina police said officers did 637 mandatory alcohol screening tests in 31 days. As a result of the tests, nine people were arrested and six suspensions were handed out for drivers being over the statutory limit of .04.

“Interestingly enough, officers stated that due to the brief nature of traffic interactions, they may not have detected the drivers’ impairment without the MAS demand,” Sgt. Shannon Gordon said in a second post.

In November, SGI launched a new campaign focusing on impaired driving.

The Crown insurer noted there had been a decrease in the number of collisions, injuries and deaths due to impaired driving over the past five years, but impaired driving is still the leading cause of collision deaths on Saskatchewan roads.

According to SGI, an average of 34 people die every year in Saskatchewan as a result of impaired driving.

As of April 1, the RCMP also is requiring drivers who are pulled over in the province to take the mandatory tests. The move by police has sparked considerable debate about the mandatory nature of the testing.