In response to Saskatchewan's 30 fatalities on provincial highways since the start of August, do not be surprised to see RCMP across the province during the Labour Day long weekend.
RCMP throughout the province will be conducting an enhanced enforcement project beginning on Friday and running through Monday. Police across the province will be focusing on Highway #1 and Highway #16, with a secondary focus on Highway #7 and #11.
"These highways are the roadways with the heaviest traffic volume in the province and it is important on a weekend such as the Labour Day Long Weekend, that we do our utmost to ensure that all motorists are reminded of roadway safety through a strong and consistent safety message sent via police presence and enforcement activities," a press release announcing the enforcement stated. "Officers will be on the road in marked and unmarked vehicles, on police motorcycles - roving and stationary. Officers will be working throughout the areas of the province covered by the noted highways. This is in addition to the patrols and enforcement actions that will be undertaken by the detachment personnel who are working this weekend as well."
The province has recorded 30 fatalities on provincial highways in August and 120 dating back to January 1. Last year there were just 87 highway fatalities in the province up to the end of August.
"All three of these numbers are far too large and sadly, many of these fatalities could have been prevented."
RCMP report there are three clear trends that have emerged in terms of contributing factors in these fatalities: alcohol involvement, driver inattention, and speed.
The non-use of seatbelts also continues to be a significant contributing factor to the number of fatalities, with roughly 40 per cent of 2012 fatalities a product of the non-use of seatbelts.
"Making the decision to not wear a seatbelt when in a motor vehicle drastically increases the likelihood of serious injury or death."
The RCMP are aiming to stop the trend of higher highway fatalities with a highly visible, intensive series of highway patrols during the long weekend.
"Being the victim of a Labour Day collision is no way to spend the last long weekend of the summer," the press statement notes.
