It is not the way anyone wants to spend a weekend—but these people do not have a choice.

Along with the license suspension and vehicle impoundment, an impaired driving conviction includes a two-day program with mandatory attendance.  The weekend seminar has group discussions, videos, and a presentation from a police officer. Facilitator Lynn Prestley says the sessions are conducted in a positive atmosphere.

“We are on the same side of the table as you, we want you to leave here not having to do this again,” she said. “It is a non-judgmental environment where people can learn.”

The course is for those with first-time impaired driving offences. Those with multiple convictions go to a different program that concentrates specifically on alcohol and/or drug addictions and how they impact the person’s lifestyle.

The $170 registration fee for the two-day course is covered by the participants. Other penalties for impaired driving include vehicle impoundment, license suspension and demerit points.

There were just over 4,200 impaired driving suspensions in Saskatchewan last year. Of those, 1,968 were for the lower .04 (zero point four) violations.