Staged rolled-over vehicle north of Prince Albert.(Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Impaired Driving

Smashed car being set up across P.A. to highlight dangers of impaired driving

May 26, 2022 | 5:00 PM

Twenty-three.

That’s how many impaired driving investigations there have been in Prince Albert so far in 2022.

That number was shared by Inspector Brent McDonald with the P.A. police service on Thursday at the start of the annual Smashed Car Program.

Over the next three months, a staged rolled-over vehicle will be set up at various locations across the city highlighting what can happen if people get behind the wheel while impaired.

McDonald noted the number of investigations is down from 2021 as there were 105 throughout the year, though the only positive he’s taking from this is the fact none have been fatal.

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“The charges are still not where we want to see them, they’re higher than we want to see them, but the fact we’re laying those charges and not getting the deaths is a positive.”

Karen Anthony-Burns with the MADD’s (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Prince Albert Chapter doesn’t want people to see the small number of investigations and think the problem is getting solved.

She said there’s a very good chance more than just 23 individuals have driven impaired at some point during the year.

“Did somebody slip through, there still could be those impaired drivers on the road.”

Karen Anthony-Burns standing next to staged vehicle. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

Anthony-Burns is no stranger to heartbreak as her son Daniel was killed back in 2010 by a suspected impaired driver. They were not found until about a week later, making it impossible to determine whether they were under the influence.

Standing in front of the staged vehicle, it was impossible not to see her become a bit emotional, however, she explained she needed to power through.

“We have to start somewhere to make a difference, this to me feels so worth it to spare someone else any of that grief because it’s not anything I’d wish on anyone.”

The vehicle will be set up on Highway 2 North, near the overpass to go to Shellbrook, for one month before being moved to Highway 2 South and eventually Highway 55 East.

Inside of staged rolled-over vehicle. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

Before leaving the presentation, Inspector McDonald had a message for those who choose to drive impaired.

“If you drive impaired, you will be caught. The police will catch you.”

—

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow