Saskatchewan RCMP fatal collisions have surged this month, leaving families and communities across the province in shock. Between July 10 and July 21, Mounties responded to 12 separate crashes that killed 17 people. Officers say the numbers have already surpassed last year’s totals, and the month of July is not even over yet.

Half of these crashes involved alcohol or drugs as a contributing factor, according to police. This alarming trend has pushed Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services to issue an urgent warning to drivers across the province. Consequently, officials are calling on everyone to make safer choices behind the wheel.

“The month of July is not over yet and we have already surpassed last year’s (collision) numbers,” said Insp. Lee Knelson, operations officer with Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services. His comments highlight just how quickly the situation has escalated over the past several weeks.

In fact, fatal collisions on Saskatchewan highways have increased 77 per cent compared to June and July of 2025. Meanwhile, fatal crashes involving impaired drivers continue to climb as well, adding further concern for police and road safety advocates alike.

Impaired Driving Behind Half of All Crashes

Impairment remains one of the biggest factors driving this year’s rise in fatal collisions. In the first half of 2026, RCMP investigations found that 52 per cent of all fatal collisions involved drugs or alcohol. That figure represents a 35 per cent increase from the same period last year.

For a long time, many assumed impaired driving mostly happened at night. However, Knelson says that assumption no longer holds true today. Officers are now catching impaired drivers throughout the entire day, not just during evening hours.

“We used to think that (impaired driving) was late at night or during the evenings,” Knelson said. “What we are seeing is that is not the case.” This shift suggests impaired driving has become a round-the-clock problem across Saskatchewan roads.

“Members of our traffic services are pulling individuals off the road due to impairment at all hours of the day,” he added. Therefore, RCMP officers are adjusting their patrol strategies to match this changing pattern.

Beyond impairment, police point to three other major contributors to fatal crashes. These include speeding, distracted driving, and drivers who fail to wear a seatbelt. Together, these four factors account for the vast majority of fatal collisions across the province.

“We Have Lost Our Son Forever”: A Family’s Grief

Bonny Stevenson knows this pain firsthand. An impaired driver killed her 17-year-old son, Quinn, during a long weekend in August of 2013. More than a decade later, she still struggles to understand why drivers keep making the same dangerous choice.

“It is just such a simple thing that we just cannot seem to figure out here in Saskatchewan,” Stevenson told CTV News. Her frustration reflects a broader concern shared by many families who have lost loved ones to impaired driving.

“We have lost our son forever. I do not know how to implore people to understand that and see what happens to the families that lose that loved one,” she said. Her words carry a weight that statistics alone cannot capture.

Despite her grief, Stevenson continues to advocate for change across Saskatchewan communities. She believes everyone has a role to play in preventing future impaired driving deaths. As a result, she urges people to plan ahead for a safe ride home before they start drinking.

She also encourages bystanders to speak up when they suspect a driver is impaired. If someone notices dangerous driving, they should call 911 immediately. “Do not be afraid, as a bystander, to make some of those calls,” she said.

New Penalties and Safety Tips for Drivers

Saskatchewan’s government recently announced plans to strengthen penalties for impaired driving. Officials revealed these changes last month, targeting drivers who fail roadside breath tests. Under the proposed rules, penalties would take effect immediately rather than after lengthy court proceedings.

Potential changes could include tougher, more immediate administrative penalties, such as immediate driver’s licence suspension and vehicle impoundment. Impaired drivers would also face new immediate financial consequences under this proposal. These measures aim to stop dangerous drivers before tragedy strikes.

“Hopefully we can start stopping some of these impaired drivers before that death or crash,” Stevenson said. Her hope reflects a shared goal among road safety advocates: preventing loss before it happens, not just responding after the fact.

Meanwhile, CAA Saskatchewan is preparing for one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. With the August long weekend approaching, the organization is reminding drivers to stay alert and avoid distractions. Heavy traffic combined with unsafe habits can quickly turn dangerous.

“There will be lots of traffic on the road so pay extra attention,” said Lona Gervais, senior communications specialist with CAA Saskatchewan. She also recommends that drivers plan their routes ahead of time to prepare for construction zones or detours.

Additionally, Gervais reminds drivers to slow down around emergency vehicles. “If you see an emergency vehicle on the road, make sure you slow down and move over,” she said. This rule protects workers and first responders who are especially vulnerable on busy highways.

“It is the law to slow to 60(km/h) for construction workers, for tow truck operators and for emergency vehicles,” Gervais added. Ultimately, following these simple steps could help prevent further tragedies on Saskatchewan roads this summer.

As the Saskatchewan RCMP fatal collisions count continues to climb, officials hope increased awareness will encourage safer driving habits. Every crash represents a life lost and a family forever changed. Simple choices, like avoiding impairment and staying focused, can make all the difference on the road ahead.