Over the past five years, the August long weekend has seen, on average, 211 collisions and 46 injuries. With those numbers in mind, SGI is reminding motorists to drive safely, and have a few tips on how to avoid a collision on the highways that will be busy throughout the weekend with traffic. 

The first tip from SGI is to slow down. When speeding, there is less control and time to react, according to the release from SGI. As well, excessive speed is attributed as one of the leading factors in traffic-related deaths and injuries on Saskatchewan’s roads.  

When passing through work zones, the speed limit is 60 kilometres an hour. While it is the August long weekend, there could still be some workers present in the work zones. Even if the workers aren’t present, you are still required to slow down if the signs are up. Speeding in work zones also sees the fines triple. 

Driving is not a good time to be using your phone. SGI reminds all drivers to keep their eyes on the road, and not on a phone. It can also save some money, as tickets for distracted driving start at $580, no matter what is distracting you behind the wheel. 

It is a reminder that comes out often in Saskatchewan, and that is to buckle up. SGI points out that the chances of surviving a collision increase by 50 percent when properly wearing a seatbelt. 

The biggest tip for highway travel on the long weekend from SGI is to not drive while impaired. There is zero tolerance for drug-impaired driving and penalties for experienced drivers for alcohol impaired driving start with a BAC of .04.