Saskatchewan RCMP is reminding drivers to drive safely this May long weekend.

As part of Canada Road Safety Week, the RCMP and other police services will focus on eliminating impaired driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and driving without a seatbelt.

Supt. Grant St. Germaine, the officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services, says that they have investigated 19 fatal collisions in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction this year. That marks a 90% increase in fatal collisions compared to the ten reported at the same time last year.

“It’s important to note that many of these collisions remain under investigation, and we can’t yet speak to what has caused them all. But this is not a trend we want to see continue,” he said. “Given the anticipated increase in traffic, as we head into the long weekend, I encourage all motorists to make safe choices when they are behind the wheel. We all have a part to play in keeping Saskatchewan’s roads as safe as possible.”

Saskatchewan RCMP is asking motorists to ensure everyone in their vehicle is wearing a seatbelt, keep their phone out of reach, give themselves time to get where they are going, and have a designated driver or plan to take a cab or transit if they plan on consuming products which result in impairment.

RCMP in the province will also be conducting high-visibility enforcement on Saskatchewan roads and highways during peak travel times during Canada Road Safety Week and the May long weekend. When approaching a check stop, slow down and follow the directions of police officers on the scene.