With a 38% increase in traffic fatalities so far this year, the Saskatchewan RCMP is urging drivers to keep road safety top of mind, especially following the busy May long weekend.
As of mid-May, 29 people have died in collisions on roads patrolled by the Saskatchewan RCMP, a sharp rise compared to the same period in 2024. The message from police is clear: safe driving saves lives.
“Too often, collisions are preventable,” says Inspector Lee Knelsen, operations officer for Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services. “When you drive too fast, while distracted, aggressively, or under the influence, you put everyone at risk—yourself, your passengers, and other road users.”
Canada Road Safety Week, which wrapped up just ahead of the May long weekend, focused on the theme “Road Safety: Every Road, Every Day, Everyone.” Though the campaign has ended, RCMP officials stress that the message remains just as relevant.
Impaired driving, speeding, fatigue, and failure to wear seatbelts continue to be leading factors in road fatalities. In 2024, alcohol and/or drugs were involved in 44% of fatal collisions in RCMP jurisdiction. Another 24 deaths were linked to not using seatbelts or helmets.
The long weekend typically marks the unofficial start of summer travel, and police say it's a good time for all drivers to recommit to safe habits:
-
Check road conditions before heading out. Summer brings weather changes, construction zones, and the risk of wildfires.
-
Allow extra travel time so you’re not tempted to speed.
-
Avoid distractions, including phones and other devices.
-
Plan ahead for a safe ride home if you're consuming alcohol or drugs.
-
Ensure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained, especially young children.
“Every time you get behind the wheel, you make choices that impact the safety of everyone on the road,” says Knelsen. “We all share the responsibility of making sure Saskatchewan roads are safe—every day of the year.”