PRINCE ALBERT The Prince Albert Community Alcohol Strategy Steering Committee (CASSC) is amping up its efforts to reduce impaired driving this holiday season after some initiatives were halted because of COVID-19. The group has doubled its cab coupons this year, in partnership with SGI, the Northern Lights Community Development Corporation, Grey Cab and Checker & Family Taxi. This year, 400 $10 coupons will be available. Even though holiday gatherings are restricted, CASSC coordinator Karen Anthony-Burns said people are still driving under the influence. There are still people that are out there. We re hearing of impaired charges every week,” she said. Anthony-Burns is also the treasurer of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Prince Albert chapter. She’s leading a local initiative where signs are placed at spots where police caught convicted impaired drivers.
“If you’ve been somewhere drinking and you need to get home, you can phone the cab company and let them know you want to use one of those coupons,” she said.
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) reports between Dec. 1, 2019 and Jan. 3, 2020, two people were killed, and 30 people injured as a result of impaired driving-related collisions in the province.
How to use a coupon
In total, 400 coupons are available, with 200 each for Grey Cab and Checker/Family Taxi. They’re valid between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. until January 31, 2021.
The Prince Albert Police Service will distribute half the coupons to local licensed establishments. Taxi companies will have the remainder. Let your cab driver know that you want to use a cab coupon when you phone to book a ride.