The Saskatchewan RCMP say in 2025 there were 113 serious and fatal motor-vehicle collisions which involved impairment by alcohol or drugs which is the highest number in the past ten years.
Superintendent Grant St. Germaine, officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services says there has been a steady upward trend since 2016 and RCMP last week urged drivers to practice good driving habits after a sudden spike in fatal accidents in July.
In 2025, Saskatchewan RCMP laid a total of 1,650 criminal code charges for impaired driving and suspended the licences of 2,270 drivers for having consumed alcohol or drugs prior to driving.
Superintendent St. Germaine says their safety reminder at a time when Saskatchewan RCMP has responded to an increase in fatal collisions – and as we head into a long weekend when many people will be on the roads.
Safe Driving Tips from RCMP:
-Give yourself time to get where you are going. This prevents speeding and ensures you are focused on road safety. Posted speed limits are maximum speeds during ideal conditions (dry roads, clear visibility). Vehicle type, condition, and whether or not you are towing anything can affect the speed at which you can safely travel.
-Always ensure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seatbelt.
-Keep your phone out of reach. In Saskatchewan, using a hand-held cellphone while driving is prohibited for making or receiving phone calls; sending, receiving or reading text messages and emails; surfing the internet; and using “push-to-talk” technology. Also be mindful that other things, such as eating/drinking, conversations with passengers and pets, can be distracting. Give your full attention to the task at hand: driving safely.
-If you – or your guests – will be consuming products which result in impairment, such as alcohol or cannabis, have a designated driver assigned, or plan to take a cab or transit. If no safe ride is available, stay the night and drive only when sober. Don’t take a chance. If you question whether you’re “too impaired to drive or not”, you likely are.
-If you see a suspected impaired driver, pull over and immediately call 911. Signs of a possible impaired driver include lane drifting; driving too fast, slow or at an inconsistent speed; not using proper signals; making very wide turns; approaching and leaving intersections too slowly or quickly; driving without headlights; and leaving high beams or turn signals on.
