Saskatchewan RCMP were extremely busy this past weekend as the first taste of winter swept across the province.

From October 31 to November 6, the Mounties said they received 298 reports of motor vehicle collisions, with 60 per cent of those happening between Friday and Sunday.

There were 50 collisions on Friday, 61 on Saturday, and 68 on Sunday as the streets and highways got progressively worse over the weekend.

RCMP also reminded motorists to pack winter essential items in their vehicles before they travel, including extra washer fluid, warm clothes, a blanket, non-perishable snacks, water, a phone charger, candles, matches, booster cables, traction mats or sand/cat litter, a tow rope or chain, and a shovel.

The Mounties also recommended that drivers check the weather forecast and Highway Hotline before they travel, postpone non-essential travel if conditions are bad, allow plenty of time to get to your destination, and drive according to the conditions with common sense and patience.

More flurries and snow are expected in the southwest part of the province Tuesday and Saturday.