Saskatoon Police Reports Reveal Alarming Traffic Collision Trends Over Five Years
Traffic collisions resulting in injuries or property damage have shown a significant increase in Saskatoon over the past five years, according to newly released police reports. The 2025 annual reports for the Saskatoon Police Service Traffic Unit and Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan, scheduled for presentation to the board of police commissioners on Thursday, highlight concerning patterns in road safety and enforcement.
Steady Rise in Property Damage Collisions
The data reveals a consistent upward trajectory in property damage collisions since 2020. In 2025, authorities recorded 4,596 such incidents, marking a substantial increase from the 3,268 reported in 2020. This represents a worrying trend that suggests deteriorating road safety conditions across the city.
Mixed Results for Personal Injury Collisions
While personal injury collisions showed a slight decrease from 622 in 2024 to 592 in 2025, the overall five-year comparison paints a troubling picture. The 2025 figures remain significantly higher than the 407 personal injury collisions recorded in 2020, indicating that despite recent improvements, the city continues to face elevated risks for serious traffic incidents.
Fatalities Remain a Persistent Concern
Traffic fatalities have fluctuated between four and nine deaths annually over the past five years, with five fatalities documented in 2025. These numbers underscore the ongoing need for enhanced safety measures and enforcement strategies to protect Saskatoon residents.
Speed Enforcement Patterns Show Complex Picture
The reports provide detailed analysis of traffic ticket issuance over the five-year period, revealing nuanced patterns in enforcement efforts. Speeding tickets, while showing a general downward trend from the 6,947 issued in 2020, experienced an uptick in 2025 with 3,995 citations compared to 3,764 in 2024.
Excessive Speed Remains Critical Safety Issue
"Excessive speed continues to be a leading contributor to serious injury collisions," the police report emphasized. Enforcement data supports this concern, with 43 drivers recorded exceeding speed limits by more than 50 km/h and 120 drivers caught going 35-50 km/h over posted limits in 2025.
Neighborhood-Specific Enforcement Data
The reports break down ticket issuance by neighborhood, revealing distinct patterns across Saskatoon:
- Central Business District: 969 tickets
- North Industrial: 803 tickets
- University Heights Development Area: 518 tickets
- Wildwood: 407 tickets
- College Park East: 365 tickets
- Pleasant Hill: 348 tickets
- Airport Business Area: 312 tickets
Other Enforcement Activities and Notable Cases
Cannabis-related vehicle offenses showed considerable fluctuation over the five-year period, with tickets ranging from 19 to 57 annually. Meanwhile, enforcement actions by Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan—including criminal charges, license suspensions, vehicle impoundments, and impaired driving charges—decreased overall between 2022 and 2025.
Significant Tobacco Seizure Highlights Enforcement Success
A November 14, 2025 checkstop operation resulted in inspectors discovering 24 pallets of unstamped tobacco. In a separate incident at the Langham weigh scale, authorities seized 9.3 million cigarettes. The driver faced criminal and tobacco tax charges, with police estimating that $4.4 million in tax revenue would have been evaded without this successful interception.
The comprehensive reports provide valuable insights for police commissioners as they consider future traffic safety strategies and resource allocation. The data clearly indicates that while some enforcement areas show progress, persistent challenges remain in reducing traffic collisions and promoting safer driving behaviors throughout Saskatoon.
