It could be an expensive weekend for distracted drivers. (ID 23234522 © John Roman | Dreamstime.com)

By Nigel Maxwell

Public safety

PA police step up traffic enforcement over long weekend

Aug 2, 2025 | 7:00 AM

The August long weekend has arrived, and members of the Prince Albert Police Service Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan Unit (CTSS) plan to be highly visible.

And one of the infractions they’ll be watching out for is distracted driving. This includes distractions such as eating, texting while behind the wheel and using a cellphone to talk if it’s not hands-free.

According to data from Transport Canada’s National Collision Database, distracted driving contributed to an estimated 22.5 per cent of fatal collisions and 25.5 per cent of serious injury collisions in 2021.

So far in 2025, there have been 299 motor vehicle collisions involving injuries, this is a 21 per cent increase from the same time period the previous year.

The Prince Albert Police Service is also reminding residents of the importance of planning ahead. If you plan to consume alcohol or cannabis, make arrangements for a safe ride home, call a cab or a sober friend, choose a designated driver, or consider staying the night.

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