Saskatchewan RCMP said the province has seen a rise in fatal and serious-injury collisions, reaching a six-year high in 2025.
Officers reported ten people were killed on RCMP-patrolled roads in September, a 43 per cent increase compared to September 2024.
Read more:
- Hunters raise safety and access concerns about new elk hunt: SWF
- Harvest 93 per cent complete in Saskatchewan as farmers near the finish line
- ‘No grounds to believe an offence was committed’ during 2023 Estevan police shooting: SIRT
“In October, six lives were lost in fatal collisions in the first six days of the month,” RCMP said in a news release.
While the collisions remain under investigation, police said the same dangerous behaviours continue to be the leading causes of fatal crashes: speeding, impairment and not wearing seatbelts.
According to year-to-date data from RCMP, speeding has contributed to 34 per cent of fatal collisions. Impairment from alcohol, cannabis or other substances has been a factor in 31 per cent. Not wearing a seatbelt contributed to 48 per cent of the deaths.
“As we head into the long weekend, I want to remind drivers that their choices behind the wheel have an impact beyond just them,” said Insp. Lee Knelsen, with RCMP Traffic Services.
“Your family and friends, and potentially the lives and loved ones of other drivers on the road, are impacted by your decisions, so make good ones. Do your part in helping everyone get to their destination safely.”
Police are reminding drivers to slow down, obey speed limits and never drive impaired. RCMP are also urging those who plan to consume alcohol or cannabis to arrange a safe ride home, or to stay overnight if one isn’t available.
RCMP also emphasized the importance of seatbelts, noting they remain one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injury or death in a crash.
Nipawin RCMP investigate fatal pedestrian collision
RCMP responded to an early morning call on Oct. 2 for a reported vehicle collision involving a pedestrian on Highway 55, east of Nipawin.
When officers arrived on scene at around 6 a.m., along with local fire and EMS, the pedestrian was declared dead.
With the help of the Saskatchewan Coroners Service, the pedestrian has been identified as a 30-year-old man from Shoal Lake Cree Nation.
He had been reported missing to Nipawin RCMP. His family has been notified, and Victim Services has been made available.
The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene.
Nipawain RCMP continue to investigate with the help of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.