Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services have responded to eight fatal collisions in the last eight days, adding to its report of a rise in deadly crashes by 175 cent for November.

From Jan.1 to Nov. 25, police officers have responded to 89 fatal motor vehicle collisions resulting in the deaths of 94 people on Saskatchewan roads – 11 of those taking place this month alone.

“Everyone out there on the road is someone’s parent, child, brother or sister. Obviously the impact of when someone loses their life on Saskatchewan roadways affects more than that one person,” Staff-Sgt. Jason Sauve of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services expressed on Thursday.

RCMP said the main cause of these collisions are people not wearing their seatbelts, distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving.

People not wearing their helmets on ATVs and snowmobiles are contributing factors as well.

“Every fatal collision is severe. An interesting stat is the leading cause of those collisions this year that we’ve seen, nearly 50 per cent of all these collisions involve either lack of seatbelt or lack of helmet,” said Sauve.

With the holiday season soon approaching and weather conditions expected to become worse, CAA Saskatchewan reminds people how important road safety is.

“What we tell people to do is plan ahead. Make sure you check out the weather forecast, check out the Highway Hotline. Make sure your vehicle isn’t covered in snow,” Angel Blair, CAA Saskatchewan’s manager of communications & public relations, said.

“Make sure you have a backup plan as far as roadside assistance. Make sure you have that emergency kit. Make sure that you’re prepared for any type of weather so you have that peace of mind.”

With the majority of fatal motor vehicle collisions being preventative, the RCMP said it will continue to repeat its safety messages and asks the public to do the same.

“When you’re on the road, be safe. There’s other users of the road, remember that as well,” Sauve said.

“Wear your seatbelt, don’t drive under the influence. Don’t speed and don’t drive while distracted.”