The last month of 2016 saw a spike in impaired driving-related offences in Saskatchewan.

In December, 353 people in the province were caught committing offences.

343 of those were Criminal Code charges laid for driving while legally impaired or refusing to give a breath test when demanded by police.

Once convicted of the charges, those 343 drivers will lose their licence for a year, pay penalties up to $17,750, and lose up to 20 points on their driving record.

As well, those who are convicted will have a criminal record - something that SGI reminds could make employment and traveling a challenge.

Kelley Brinkworth, Manager of Media Relations at SGI, explains SGI will continue to do everything in their ability to promote safety and eliminate impaired driving.

However, she says they can't do it alone.

"We have to keep at it because eventually it needs to get through to people that it's not something SGI can change on its own. We need people to help - we need people to make smart and safe decisions behind the wheel and not to drive drunk. It really comes down to people taking personal accountability for their actions," she said.

For individuals who are looking for additional ways to plan ahead for a safe night, the media relations manager shares multiple options.

"Take turns with your friends - one weekend you'll be the designated driver and then rotate, get a family member to pick you up or plan to spend the night, or have people over to your place and let them stay overnight.

Even if you live somewhere where there are no cabs/taxis, it's not an excuse to risk it just because a cab wasn't available - there's still lots of other options out there," she said.

An additional 144 tickets were given out by police December for cellphone-related distracted driving infractions.

Brinkworth says although the infraction total was higher than hoped, January's infraction totals will better paint a picture of the problem.

The Government of Saskatchewan strengthened their penalties for impaired driving and distracted driving at the start of the new year.