RCMP reports 77% surge in fatal traffic collisions in Saskatchewan June‑July

RCMP Inspector Lee Knelsen said Saskatchewan experienced a 77 percent rise in fatal traffic collisions during June and July compared with the same period last year. He highlighted that alcohol and drug impairment was a factor in 52 percent of collisions in the first half of 2026, up from 35 percent in 2025, and that speed, failure to wear seatbelts, distracted driving and impairment are the recurring contributing behaviours.

Knelsen listed a series of multiple‑fatal crashes between July 10 and July 20 across North Battleford, Spiritwood, Kamsack, Prince Albert, Nipawin, Outlook, Lumsden, Rosthern, Maple Creek and the Swift Current Rural/Morse area, resulting in dozens of deaths. He warned that such incidents can now occur at any hour of the day, not only late at night, and urged drivers to make safe decisions behind the wheel.