Saskatchewan RCMP say 2024 marked the deadliest year on rural roads in more than half a decade, with 88 people killed in 77 fatal crashes, the highest total in six years.
Serious injuries were also on the rise. Last year saw 271 collisions involving serious injuries, a 43 per cent increase from 2023. In total, 321 people were seriously injured, up 48 per cent year-over-year.
“First off, we want to send our condolences to all the families affected by these tragedies,” said Supt. Grant St. Germaine, officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services. “When we talk about statistics, we need to remember that lives are being forever changed behind every number. We all have a role in preventing these collisions.”
The RCMP say four main factors contributed to the majority of fatal and serious injury crashes: impaired driving, distracted driving, dangerous driving such as speeding, and failure to wear a seatbelt.
Data show that male drivers were more likely to be found at fault in these collisions, and those aged 16 to 25 were the highest-risk age group.
More than 60 per cent of fatal and serious crashes occurred between noon and midnight, and most involved a single vehicle.
The upward trend hasn’t stopped in 2025. As of late July, Saskatchewan RCMP have responded to 51 fatal collisions and 54 deaths — 13 more lives lost than at the same point last year. Nearly 40 per cent of this year’s fatalities involved someone not wearing a seatbelt.
“It’s unfortunate that I have to keep repeating the basics,” said St. Germaine. “Obey speed limits. Don’t drive impaired. Put the phone away. And always wear your seatbelt, it may save your life.”
The collision statistics were released alongside the RCMP’s 2024 crime trends report. Officials note the data only includes incidents within RCMP jurisdiction and does not capture private property crashes, urban police service reports, or medically related collisions.