The poor road conditions across Saskatchewan claimed the life of at least one motorist during Wednesday’s blizzard. 

RCMP Spokeswoman Keely Grasser says the call came in from the Broadview area in mid-afternoon. The incident involved three semis, and the driver of one semi was pronounced dead at the scene. 

“Our main point today is that, though the weather system has largely passed through the province, road conditions may still be poor. Just cause the sun is out doesn’t mean you can abandon those safety tips that we were promoting yesterday.”  

The semi was one of 82 collisions reported between 4:00 p.m. Wednesday and 7:00 a.m. Thursday morning, plus 25 other incidents. Another 29 incidents were reported between midnight and 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday.  

Grasser highlights the importance of travelling with a full cell phone battery, driving according to conditions, which can change on a dime. 

“We also need people to make sure they have a tank full of gas, and that their car is properly equipped with safety equipment; food, water, warm clothes.”

A second, less-intense storm is expected to roll in Friday. Grasser says Highway Hotline should be your best friend when heading out on the roads.  

Dan Palmer with the Ministry of Highways there are also 50 cameras scattered across the province, aimed at capturing highway conditions. 

The pair underlines that just because the weather is better now, doesn’t mean drivers should abandon a cautious mindset, especially with highways getting busier over the holidays.