In the News

Call 911 to report drunk drivers: Saskatoon police
CBC News
March 12, 2010

SASKATCHEWAN (CBC) - People in Saskatoon who see drunk drivers are being encouraged to call 911.

The pilot program, called Report Impaired Drivers, lets the public know that if they see impaired drivers, they should call the number that's normally used for reporting police, fire and ambulance emergencies.

"If you do see an erratic driver, please let us know," Saskatoon Police Chief Clive Weighill said. "We're going to open the flood gates, as it were, to use 911."

Anyone reporting an impaired driver will not be identified, Weighill said.

The Saskatchewan government says it will publicize the program at nine provincially owned liquor stores in Saskatoon. It will also ask bars and restaurants to spread the word.

Drinking and driving continues to be the No. 1 contributing factor in fatal collisions in Saskatchewan, said June Draude, the minister responsible for Saskatchewan Government Insurance.

Since a new law prohibits people from using handheld cellphones while they drive, the government is telling drivers they should pull over to the side of the road before dialing, or else have a passenger call 911.