In 2024, the Saskatchewan RCMP saw the most fatalities on rural roads in six years. They report 77 fatal crashes responded to by RCMP officers, resulting in 88 deaths. This is alongside 271 serious collisions, a 43 percent increase from the previous year, resulting in 321 serious injuries.
A release issued by the Saskatchewan RCMP quotes Superintendent Grant St. Germaine, officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services. He acknowledges the people affected by these tragedies.
“It’s important when we talk about statistics to remember that there are numerous lives that are changed forever behind each of these collisions. We all need to do our part to try to prevent every collision we can.”
Four primary factors were identified in fatal and serious injury collisions last year: impaired driving, distracted driving, dangerous driving behaviour (primarily speeding), and failure to use a seatbelt. The RCMP also identify male drivers as most likely to be at fault in both serious and fatal collisions. The age group at highest risk of being involved in serious and fatal collisions, regardless of gender, are those aged 16 to 25.
Another factor highlighted by the RCMP is the time of day that collisions occur, with over 60 percent happening between noon and midnight. The majority of these collisions only involve one vehicle.
As 2025 continues, the rate of fatalities on Saskatchewan roads continue to rise. As of Thursday, there have been 51 fatal collisions and 54 deaths, which is 13 more than this same time last year.
The RCMP stresses seatbelt safety as close to 40 percent of these fatalities were related to someone failing to wear a seatbelt.
“It’s unfortunate that I have to keep repeating the basic driving safety tips. But we continue to see risky driving behaviour contributing to serious collisions,” Supt. St. Germaine says. “Remember, always obey posted speed limits, never drive impaired by alcohol or drugs, put the phone down and always remember to wear your seatbelt – it may keep you alive.”