As grad season gets closer, SGI is shining their Traffic Safety Spotlight on impaired driving for the month.

"With it being May," shared Tyler McMurchy, Manager of Media Relations, "we know students across the province will be getting ready for Grad season. We also know police across Saskatchewan will be looking at impaired driving throughout the month of May as a part of the Traffic Safety Spotlight."

"We know that there are many graduations and parties that will be occurring throughout the province throughout this month and we just want to remind people that no matter what party you attend, what kind of celebration you're attending if alcohol or drugs are a part of it, we want people to plan a safe ride home."

SGI has set up a virtual reality simulator of driving with an impaired driver. (photo courtesy @SGItweets)

SGI has virtual reality simulator to show the consequence of impaired driving. 

"It has a scenario where you are dropped into this house party and you meet somebody and you agree to go to another party. You're the passenger, he's driving and he is impaired by marijuana. Without giving too much away, there are some very real and disturbing consequences that result in getting in a vehicle with an impaired driver."

For more on that, you can check out their twitter feed (@SGItweets).

McMurchy offered some tips to keep your grad season a safe one. 

"We always ask people to plan a safe ride home before they go out because nobody is making any good decisions after having a number of drinks or consuming drugs. Make those arrangements before you go out whether it's planning to have a designated driver, planning to be the designated driver, arranging a limo or a party bus or a shuttle if you've got a group of people all going to a grad."

"We also ask parents to talk to their kids about the dangers of impaired driving. Encourage them to call if they find themselves in a situation where they're with an impaired driver or too impaired to drive themselves. The most important thing is for those kids to get home safe."

"If you are out and you're at a party and one of your friends is looking like they are going to get behind the wheel and they are clearly impaired, be a good wingman and don't let impaired friends drive. Offer to be their designated driver or call them a safe ride or just let them stay over."

McMurchy added that impaired means impaired, whether it's by legal or illegal substance.

"We know that prescription drugs and over the counter drugs can impact driving ability by impairing motor coordination and slowing reaction time. So can illicit drugs and cannabis. Drivers should review the side effects of any medication they are taking with their doctor or pharmacist."

"If it impairs you, you should not be behind the wheel."