The Saskatchewan Government has released plans for positive ticketing and sobering messages to help address impaired driving. 

Police Chief Paul Ladouceur explains, "Positive ticketing is not something new to the Estevan Police. We have done one that followed bicycle safety where kids received a coupon to McDonald's for wearing proper gear and rode safely; that is an example of how positive ticketing works. So rather than the police looking for infractions or somebody doing something wrong they look for people doing things right; encouraging and reinforcing that type of decision making."

At times they have given out items such as coffee cards at their check stops to sober drivers. The police understand that it is a bit of an inconvenience to wait at check stops, but it's a way to say thank you to the sober drivers on behalf of the police and the city. They also want the public to know they can expect high visibility check stop this upcoming long weekend.

The police are handing out high visibility bracelets for pedestrians that are walking and running at night; the bracelets flash with LED lighting making pedestrians easier to see. They will also be going through bars as a reminder that they are out and it is better to get home safe then to drive impaired and risk getting pulled over or to cause an accident.

Chief Ladouceur adds, "The Provincial Government and SGI have had a huge push on safety for August long weekend, and we will be out there in full force looking for impaired drivers and for more importantly preventing impaired drivers. The decision has to happen before you go out; you have to make that choice ahead of time." 

The Estevan Police Service apologises for the inconvenience of the check stops, but it's a way to keep the impaired drivers off the road.

 There is also a Social Media Campaign to build awareness around and promote responsible use.
#howareyougettinghome and @sask0804 are handles you can use on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share your way to get home safe while impaired.