SGI is reminding residents to take it slow on the roads this upcoming long weekend.

Over the past five years, there has been an average of 211 collisions and 46 injuries over the August long weekend.

There are a number of tips for drivers to avoid a collision on the roads this weekend including:

-Slow and steady is the way to go– Speeding is dangerous. When you speed, you have less control and less time to react. If you’re speeding and get into a collision, the faster you’re going, the worse the outcome. Excessive speed is one of the leading factors in traffic-related deaths and injuries on Saskatchewan’s roads. The faster you're going, the stiffer the penalties. 


-Slow to 60 in highway work zones– While it might be a long weekend for most of us, there’s a good chance some highway workers will be putting in a shift. For their sake, do not speed through construction zones. We don’t want to see any more dangerous close calls for highway workers like this one that happened earlier this week. Even if workers aren’t present, you are required to slow down if the signs are up. If you are caught speeding in a construction zone, expect to face steep fines. (Speeding 100 km/h through a work zone with a 60 km/h limit equals a $1,008 ticket, plus three demerits).

-Drive sober – If your long weekend plans include enjoying a few cold beverages or a few puffs, do not drive. There is zero tolerance for drug-impaired driving. When it comes to alcohol, penalties for experienced drivers start at .04 BAC with three-day license suspensions and vehicle impoundments. (New drivers aren’t allowed to have any alcohol in their system.) Also, fair warning, it’s not uncommon to run into a police check stop on a long weekend. You can help police keep our roads safe by calling 9-1-1 if to report any drivers you suspect are impaired.

-Keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone—Driving is not a good time to check your messages or scroll through Instagram. If you’re driving, just drive. In June, 974 distracted driving tickets were handed out in Saskatchewan. Remember, fines for distracted driving start at $580, and four demerit points

-Buckle up—Seatbelts increase the chances of survival in a collision by 50 percent. Unfortunately, it’s far too easy to find people not wearing their seatbelts. By wearing your seatbelt, you could save your life. Even if you’re going a short distance, don’t risk it and always buckle up properly.

 -Watch out for each other—The warm weather means motorcyclists and cyclists will also be sharing roadways. They also have a right to be there, but they have less protection around them than someone in a motor vehicle. By giving others space, you can play a part in ensuring everyone arrives home safely.