While the numbers were lower than in most other years, there were still 87 deaths due to car crashes on Saskatchewan roads in 2020 according to the latest data from SGI. In a release today, they revealed the extent of the fatalities and how they stack up compared to other years. 

While the lowest number of deaths on Saskatchewan roads came last year (71), the numbers from 2020 were still quite a bit below the 10 year average of 131.5 deaths per year. The number also represents the second-lowest number of deaths on the roads in this province ever. 

“Nearly all fatal collisions are preventable; Saskatchewan roads have gotten significantly safer in the last few years, but we must not become complacent or satisfied with these improvements,” said Minister Responsible for SGI Don Morgan.

In their release, SGI reminded people that the goal was to get to zero deaths on the roads in Saskatchewan. Initiatives to reduce impaired driving and distracted driving have helped on this front, including a sharp increase in the price of an impaired driving ticket. 

“We all can, and must, do more," said Morgan. "I applaud everyone who is committed to driving safely. I also want to thank law enforcement who are diligently working to reduce collision deaths and injuries by enforcing traffic laws and contributing to public awareness.”

SGI added to their release the caveat that the numbers were preliminary, as they were based on data from police services across the province and could be adjusted. They also noted that fatalities were just one aspect of assessing a province's road safety.