Saskatchewan RCMP is urging drivers to practice safe driving habits on the road as the province faces a sharp rise in traffic fatalities. Between July 10 and July 21—a span of less than two weeks—17 people lost their lives in 12 separate collisions across the province.
Police statistics reveal that alcohol or drugs were a contributing factor in half of these fatal crashes. Insp. Lee Knelson of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Traffic Services stated that even before the month of July had ended, the number of collisions had already surpassed last year’s figures. Over the past two months, fatal accidents on Saskatchewan highways have jumped by 77 percent.
While impaired driving was previously seen mostly at night, police noted that officers are now apprehending impaired drivers at all hours of the day. In the first half of this year, drug or alcohol involvement was detected in 52 percent of all fatal collisions.
Bonny Stevenson, whose 17-year-old son Quinn was killed in August 2013 by an impaired driver, expressed deep grief over the ongoing devastation caused by impaired driving. She urged the public to immediately call 911 if they suspect anyone is driving under the influence.
In response to the rising casualty count, the Saskatchewan government has decided to enforce tougher penalties for drivers who fail roadside sobriety tests, including immediate driver’s license suspensions, vehicle impoundments, and instant financial fines. Police identified impairment, speeding, distracted driving, and failure to wear seatbelts as the primary causes of fatal road accidents. With heavy traffic expected on highways over the upcoming August Long Weekend, CAA Saskatchewan has warned drivers to obey speed limits and stay alert.
