The Saskatchewan RCMP are sounding the alarm after seeing a dramatic increase in the number of collision-related deaths in January 2025.
As stated in an RCMP release, 11 lives have already been lost this year in eight fatal collisions throughout the province, including two collisions that occurred on January 12 near Delisle that were attended by the Warman RCMP.
The first of these collisions occurred around 8 a.m. and involved two SUVs colliding along Highway 7. A 73-year-old male from Wiseton, Sask., and a 65-year-old woman from Furdale, Sask., were declared deceased on the scene, while a third person was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.
The second collision occurred at approximately 10:50 p.m. between an SUV and a pick-up just west of Laura, which is itself near Delisle.
The driver of the SUV, a 42-year-old male from Airdrie, Alta., was declared deceased on the scene. The driver of the pick-up also suffered non life-threatening injuries.
These statistics represent a huge jump from January 2024, when only three people died in two separate collisions.
“These numbers are extremely concerning to see,” said Supt. Grant St. Germaine, Officer in Charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services.
“We must all do our part and ask ourselves, ‘What can be done to make Saskatchewan roads safer?’ We all have a part to play in reversing this tragic trend.”
St. Germaine indicated these losses not only have a tremendous impact on the families and friends of the victims, but also the first responders who attend the scenes of these accidents.
“These incidents can be traumatic and nothing can prepare you for these types of calls where loss of life occurs,” he said.
“I may sound like a broken record, but I’ll keep repeating myself. Please remember the basics, drive to road conditions, obey speed limits, never drive while distracted or impaired by alcohol or drugs, and always wear your seatbelt, because choosing to wear one can make the difference between life and death in a collision.”
St. Germaine pointed out that motorists can check on road conditions prior to travelling and which roads have been recently plowed, salted or sanded by visiting hotline.gov.sk.ca/map.