'The epitome of irresponsibility': Sask. residents reminded to drive sober over the holidays

With the holiday season comes festivities that may include intoxicating substances.

On Friday in Regina, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister Ralph Goodale reminded Saskatchewan residents to drive sober if they've indulged in any kind of drug or alcohol.

"The message is simple: If you're high or you've been drinking, don't drive," said Goodale.

"It's the epitome of irresponsibility," he added.

An emphasis on weed

Regina Police Chief Evan Bray acknowledged that police willneedto hunker down on new proposed laws to reduce the number of drug-impaired driving cases.

A new Health Canada survey indicates that 39 per cent of people who admitted to smoking weed drove a vehicle within two hours of consumption.

Right now there's no process to determine how much pot is too much, but the government has released a draft of its planned drug concentration levels.

• 39% of cannabis users admit to driving after smoking pot, government survey finds
• Government releases legal limits for drugged driving but can't say how much pot is too much
• Marijuana use down among minors, up among older Canadians, StatsCan study finds

"It needs to be full-time sober attention, because you are propelling thousands of pounds of steel and glass down the roadway," said Bray, adding that young people are particularly vulnerable behind the wheel.

The federal government recently launched a $3-million Don't Drive High ad campaign. It features young adults on their way to a party up until what looks to be a devastating car accident.

The videos play on social media, in public spaces, in movie theatres and on television.

Government's high driving campaign

7 years ago

Duration 0:31

The Liberals have launched the first in a series of ads to dissuade young people from driving while high.

Government steps in with Bill C-46

An extra step to drive the point home is the recently proposed Bill C-46.The federal government's proposed legislation would help police forces deal with drug-impaired drivers. Senate will decide into the new year whether or not itpasses.

Goodale said if it is passed it will implement"some of the toughest laws in the world."