Sask. company hoping to curb drunk driving problem in province
Designated driving service need more drivers
Amid a growing spotlight on drinking and driving in the province, a company that takes drunk drivers off the road wants to be included in government messaging about how to get home safe.
"There's so many options available, yet people are failing to use any of them. There's just such ignorance, unawareness or general blindness to the whole drinking and driving problem," said Darcy Moen,who with his business partner Mike Bird, operate Zero 8 Designated Drivers in Regina and Saskatoon.
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On average, about one person is killed every week in this province by a drunk driver.
Zero 8 Designated Drivers and others like it, drive you and your car home while another car follows behind.
"It's more than just a financial opportunity or a way to make a few bucks. The warm fuzzies you get knowing somebody got home and wasn't involved in an accident is phenomenal," Moen said.
"But at the same time it's also pretty scary because some nights on the job I've had close calls with other drunk drivers swerving into my lane. So it's also disappointing knowing just how big and how great the problem is, despite being available seven days a week, it's still not enough to stop people from drinking and driving," Moen said.
Zero 8 is re-branding to Safe Ride Designated Drivers as of Oct. 1. They are looking for more drivers because right now in Regina they only have one team.
"We have way more demand than what one team can provide."
Moen said the price is 10 per cent plus or minus the cost of two cab fares — one to pick you up and one to retrieve your vehicle.
For-profit designated driving services just like taxis
The province will not financially support designated driving companies like Zero 8 because they are for-profit, like taxis.
"We do support designated driving services by including them in our safe ride home messaging," said SGI spokesperson Kelley Brinkworth. "For example, we include designated driving services as an option to get home safe, along with calling a cab, choosing a designated driver, taking the bus, etc."
SGI also supports 'Operation Red Nose', which is a volunteer-based designated driving service which runs from the end of November to New Year's Eve in The Battlefords, Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina.
Moen pointed out that in Regina, for example, buses do not run after midnight, so that option is not available to people who have been drinking.
There's just such ignorance, unawareness or general blindness to the whole drinking and driving problem.- Darcy Moen, Zero 8 Designated Drivers
He said his industry would like to be more explicitly mentioned by SGI when they do their messaging.
"If we were promoted at the same level as SGI is currently promoting safe rides from taxi cabs, I think that would be a big help in itself. We're not looking for a handout but we certainly would appreciate fair and equal treatment," Moen said.
"Those of us in the designated driving industry, I don't think we've done a good enough job of promoting the service and getting out in front of the drinking public."
Moen said the company is also working on an app to improve their service. He said the expected legalization of marijuana will only increase the need for sober drivers.
MADD CEO: 'ride sharing is coming'
Andrew Murie, CEO of MADD Canada, says designated driving services should be treated like taxis.
Murie said it's hard to justify taxpayers funding a for-profit service like taxis or designated driving companies but like SGI, MADD Canada supports both as ways for people to avoid drunk driving.
He said services like Uber and Lyft have increased the number of options for people looking for safe rides in cities where they are allowed.
"The world is changing. Ride sharing services are coming, not yet in Saskatchewan, but they have replaced taxi services for young people," Murie said
"There should be more taxi licenses, that's our big beef. Why is there a restriction on licenses? That's one thing the government could do tomorrow," Murie said.
Premier's comments a good first step: MADD
Last week, Premier Brad Wall addressed impaired driving in a Facebook post.
"Saskatchewan. We have a serious problem. We have had it for some time. Too many of us are still drinking and driving and it is taking the lives of our neighbours and friends, fathers, mothers and our kids. And it is devastating the lives of others who are left behind," Wall wrote.
Murie said he was pleased with the premier's comments.
"I'm glad he's finally acknowledging Saskatchewan has a problem," Murie said.
"It's not going to go away. In a couple of weeks there's going to be another death or another awful injury."
"This is the time to do it (make changes)."