In 2017, the Weyburn Police Service launched a bold initiative called This Ride’s On Us. The program would allow patrons at licensed establishments to leave their keys behind, in exchange for a voucher to take a taxi home. Those who took part in the program, which was funded through various sources, including SGI, could be eligible to win prizes.

After 18 months, the service wrapped up at the end of 2018.

Now, the numbers are being reviewed to see just how effective it was to curb impaired driving in Weyburn. According to Weyburn Police Chief Marlo Pritchard, some of the preliminary information is promising.

“In the last 12 months, we’re still down about 15-18 percent for impaired driving from the year before,” explained Chief Pritchard. “The bigger piece is, did that contribute to it? And my position is yes, the awareness did.”

While the uptake of the program was promising, Chief Pritchard added the message was the most important part of the program.

"It was that message about don't drink and drive, don’t drive and all that stuff, and it was a phenomenally well-received anti-drinking and driving campaign.”

A full review of the number is expected to be completed in the coming months.