The Interlock Device Program in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan has not yet achieved the highest standard when dealing with their Ignition Interlock program. They have received a C- on the report and came in seventh place.

The law officials in Saskatchewan have been validated by the raters because of a few different points. First off, they really liked the fact that police officers have the authority to stop drivers at random and check their license and establish whether or not they are under any programs or restrictions and such. Also they noticed that the way the system works regarding the impounding of vehicles had achieved the MADD standards.

They were also validated for the way they handle certain aspects of the Interlock Ignition program. They liked the fact that there were clearly established violations of the program and sanctions related to them. There is also the fact that the requirements concerning the program can be adjusted accordingly to fit certain special circumstances with some offenders. Another thing that was liked was the fact that there is an indication on the driver’s license that he is undergoing the Interlock program, and plus they stay in communication with the participants.

But some points are clearly lacking or need to be improved within the program. The device also poses a few problems as some of the major technical features are lacking, such as a something that would prevent a person from cheating or overriding the device. There is also the fact that the whole of the Ignition Interlock program is done on a voluntary basis. Also, MADD didn’t feel like the minimum duration of the program was enough compared to their ideal standards. And also the cops are not trained to recognize nor handle an actual ignition interlock device.

^{Source: http://madd.ca/english/research/interlock2008.pdf}