'Drive Sober - Impaired is Impaired'. That's January's Traffic Safety Spotlight message.

According to SGI, impaired driving is still the leading cause of death on Saskatchewan roads. In 2017, 39 % of traffic deaths in the province were a result of either drug and/or alcohol use.

SGI Media Relations Manager Tyler McMurchy explained the penalties for driving high. "The consequences are very similar to alcohol-impaired driving. When you're looking at criminal code violations, you're looking at potential fines or jail time. From a provincial perspective, on the administration side, you face vehicle seizures, license suspensions, and safe-driving recognition penalties as well."

McMurchy added that adhering to the not-drinking-and-driving rule should be an on-going habit, not one that is observed only around the holidays or during a specific traffic safety spotlight.

On why impaired driving is so prevalent in the province, McMurchy said, "It's something that has been a problem, historically, in Saskatchewan. We're seeing signs that things are getting better. But, some behaviours are deeply entrenched and difficult to change. We'd like to think that people are starting to make better decisions."

SGI is warning drivers that driving while high comes with the same penalties as alcohol-impaired driving, including immediate and indefinite roadside licence suspensions for criminal charges.

SGI reminds residents that impaired driving is completely preventable.