Saskatchewan RCMP has reported 58 fatal collisions this year, with 22 happening since September 1 or a fatal collision every two and half days.
Superintendent Grant. St. Germaine, an officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services, said the increase is concerning.
“Yes, the number of fatal collisions increased exponentially in recent weeks, and yes, we are concerned,” said St. Germaine. “22 fatal collisions and 26 deaths occurred in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction between September 1 and October 25 this year. This is a dramatic increase from the 36 fatal collisions and 38 deaths from January 1-August 31, 2023. The fatal collisions geographically occurred all throughout the province. There is no one’ hot spot’ or mitigating factor, making it challenging to provide a specific overall contributing cause.”
RCMP says that driver impairment is a cause or factor in 17 out of the 58 fatal collisions in 2023. Of those, four drivers were charged, or a charge was recommended for impaired operation of a motor vehicle – three involving alcohol and one involving both drug and alcohol.
With the dramatic increase, St. Germaine said the RCMP’s message is for motorists to drive safely on the roads so everyone can get home safely.
“Every traffic fatality is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with everyone who’s had a loved one die on Saskatchewan roads,” St. Germaine said. “The impact is great on our police officers as well, responding to and investigating fatal collisions. No one wants to, nor can anything prepare you for delivering a next of kin notification.”