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It’s all about planning a safe ride home this Labour Day weekend.
With the long weekend finally here, it will mean more traffic on Saskatchewan highways and roads, which increases the chances of getting in a collision.
According to current data, the 2016 Labour Day weekend saw 265 accidents, which caused four deaths and 55 injuries. Alcohol or drug impairment were factors in two of the deaths and six of the injuries.
The government of Saskatchewan and the Roughriders are reminding Rider Nation to plan a safe ride home this weekend. They are also reminding drivers to slow down to 60 kilometers when going through work zones.
“There will be many fans on our highways this weekend travelling to the Labour Day classic,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister David Marit said in a release. “We remind travelers to be patient, travel safely through orange zones and respect our highway workers.”
There are a number of highway projects underway in the Regina area. Highway 1 east between Regina and Balgonie, Highway 1 near Pinkie Road, Highway 11 to Saskatoon and Highway 6 south to Weyburn.
SGI is offering tips to drivers heading out on the roads this weekend including watching your speed.
SGI reminds motorists to drive sober because when you drink and drive it nearly doubles your chances of getting into an accident.
Saskatchewan has some tough new laws when it comes to drinking and driving. Penalties for impaired driving start at .04 blood alcohol content, with a person’s vehicle impounded for three days, along with a license suspension.
For new drivers and those under 21-years-old there will be zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol.
Drivers are reminded to leave their phones alone as distracted driving is the second leading cause of fatal collisions in the province. Drivers caught with a phone in their hands face a $280 fine and four demerit points.
SGI is also reminding drivers to buckle up as 27 per cent of last year’s fatalities involved someone not being restrained properly. Seatbelts have been mandatory in Saskatchewan for 40-years.