As families prepare to gather for Thanksgiving celebrations, the Saskatchewan RCMP are reminding motorists to make safety a priority on the roads.
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The reminder comes amid a troubling rise in fatal and serious injury collisions — 2025 has marked a six-year high in roadway deaths within RCMP jurisdiction.
In September alone, ten people lost their lives in crashes on Saskatchewan highways and rural roads, a 43 per cent increase compared to the same month in 2024. The first six days of October have already seen six more fatalities.
While several of these incidents remain under investigation, RCMP say the main contributing factors continue to be speed, impairment, and failure to wear a seatbelt. So far this year, speeding has been linked to 34 per cent of fatal collisions, impairment to 31 per cent, and seatbelt non-use to 48 per cent.
“As we head into the long weekend, I want to remind drivers that their choices behind the wheel have an impact – an impact beyond just them,” said Insp. Lee Knelsen with Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services.
“Your family and friends, and potentially the lives and loved ones of other drivers on the road, are impacted by your decisions – so make good ones. Do your part in helping everyone get to their destination safely.”
Police are urging drivers to slow down, obey posted speed limits, and never drive impaired. Those planning to consume alcohol or cannabis are encouraged to arrange a safe ride or stay overnight. Officers also stress the importance of buckling up — a simple action that could mean the difference between life and death in the event of a collision.
With increased traffic expected over the Thanksgiving weekend, RCMP say they’ll continue to patrol Saskatchewan highways to help ensure everyone gets to their celebrations — and home again — safely.
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