REDUCING IMPAIRED DRIVING
Pilot project chips in for taxis home
Holding court behind the bar at Victoria’s Tavern each day, John Christie knows what a large group of people blowing off steam looks like. And he knows how important it is for those people to get home safely.
That is part of the reason why Victoria’s Tavern (known affectionately by locals as simply “Vic’s”) is partnering with the provincial government in hopes of curbing drinking-and-driving numbers.
Five different pilot projects meant to address impaired driving in the province from the August long weekend until Labour Day were announced on Monday.
One of the projects, called “Drive Dollars,” will ask bar patrons at Vic’s if they would like to put a small amount of money toward a “tab” for a taxi.
This amount of money will then be matched (to a maximum of $15) by the provincial government and Victoria’s Tavern, through a partnership with Regina’s First Choice Designated Driver Services.
So, if a bar-goer puts $5 toward Drive Dollars, Vic’s and the government will each put in the same and the patron will receive a $15 voucher for a safe ride home.
“Victoria’s Tavern is all about responsibility, we consider ourselves a very responsible establishment,” said Christie.
“We’re all about having a good time, everyone likes having a good time and blowing off steam,” he said. “You can know the staff will look after you, and you’ll get home safely.”
The project, lead by Innovation Saskatchewan, 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.
There is a chance the idea will be expanded to other bars.
“I want this to work out. I want this to succeed,” said Christie.
“It’s not a hidden fact that Saskatchewan doesn’t have a great track record with getting home safely.”
Another project will see police officers giving out a “positive ticket” to sober and designated drivers at scheduled police check stops and/or routine traffic stops.
The tickets will aim to 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.
The three other pilot projects will include adding two questions to the liquor permit application, having police officers visit local bars and pubs to encourage patrons to plan a safe ride home, and placing children’s drawings on brown liquor store bags to get people to consider and discuss the consequences of impaired driving.
The projects, which will be implemented in different areas across the province, have been designed through collaboration between various government ministries and agencies, law enforcement and Crown corporations.
Innovation Saskatchewan Minister Tina Beaudry-mellor said doing nothing about drinking and driving in Saskatchewan is “not on.”
“We can’t continue doing what we’re doing and expect different results,” she said, adding she isn’t convinced continuing to increase drinking and driving penalties will solve the problem entirely.
I want this to work out ... to succeed. It’s not a hidden fact that Saskatchewan doesn’t have a great track record with getting home safely.