SGI reminds people to take it slow over long weekend

As people head out to enjoy a Saskatchewan summer during August Long Weekend, SGI is reminding drivers it’s alright if the trip takes a little longer.

“We understand the summer is going by really fast but maybe just slow it down and that includes slowing down when you’re out on the road,” said SGI’s Tyler McMurchy. “Highways are busier on long weekends – people use them as an opportunity to go somewhere – whether that’s going to the lake, visiting friends or going on a road trip. Also long weekends tend to involve additional risk factors like maybe there are more opportunities for consuming impairing substances, that sort of thing.”

McMurchy pointed out an example from earlier this week where a car was driven recklessly through a construction zone ending in a three-vehicle crash.

“The outcome could have been much, much worse given the factors there,” McMurchy said. “If you do get into a collision the outcome of that collision is going to be worse because you are travelling at a higher rate of speed. If that isn’t enough to motivate you, the cost of speeding tickets goes up as you accelerate and for the egregious speeding offences – such as travelling over 50 kilometres per hour over the speed limit – you are looking at additional penalties like vehicle impoundment as well.”

With this being the first long-weekend with no COVID restrictions in place in Saskatchewan, McMurchy admits that adds to the concern on the roads.

“The fact we can actually all move freely and there are less restrictions on where you can go and the people you can see – maybe a little bit of concern that people will use this as an opportunity to really cut loose,” McMurchy said. “No one is saying you can’t enjoy yourself and enjoy that great Saskatchewan summer. Our summers are awesome here in Saskatchewan and people should take advantage of it but doing so in a way that minimizes their risks of course.”

“I don’t think anybody wants to be one of those people that is pulled over on the side of the road, waiting for that officer to issue them a ticket and watch everyone else on the road zip by them and look over and know exactly what happened.”

McMurchy also encouraged people to plan ahead to have a safe ride home if your weekend involves any kind of intoxicant.