Local News
Swift Current Municipal RCMP urging caution after surge of intersection collisions
Swift Current RCMP are reminding motorists to pay closer attention at intersections after a recent surge in collisions across the city. Police say they have responded to 74 traffic collisions in Swift Current so far in 2026, with roughly half occurring during June and July. More than half of all crashes this year have involved an intersection infraction, such as failing to stop at a stop sign, running a red light or proceeding when it was unsafe to do so. Staff Sgt. Evan Gordon, detachment commander with the Swift Current Municipal RCMP, said the trend has made the past two months particularly concerning. "We've responded to 74 collisions on roadways in Swift Current, and about half of those have happened in the last two months," Gordon said. "What really stands out is that over half of those collisions involve intersection infractions." 'Slow' is still dangerous The reminder follows a collision on July 27 at the intersection of Fourth Avenue Northeast. RCMP said a truck failed to stop at a stop sign before colliding with another pickup truck, causing the second vehicle to roll. Two passengers in the second truck were taken to hospital by EMS with non-life-threatening injuries, while both drivers reported no injuries. The driver who failed to stop received a ticket. Gordon said distracted driving can contribute to some intersection crashes, but officers are not always able to confirm that factor during an investigation. "There is an element of distracted driving in some of these collisions," he said. "Even at 30 or 50 kilometres an hour, intersection collisions can have very serious consequences, not just for the drivers involved but for pedestrians, nearby homes, businesses and parked vehicles." Related Stories: Swift Current's crime severity index falls for second straight year Swift Current RCMP warn residents about traffic ticket text scam Collision causes truck to flip in Swift Current Plenty of warnings Since the beginning of the year, Swift Current RCMP have issued 81 tickets and 123 warnings for intersection-related offences. Distracted driving convictions begin with a $580 fine, while failing to stop at a stop sign carries a fine of about $200. Gordon said the penalties increase for repeat offenders, but the larger concern is preventing injuries. "This really isn't about the fine," he said. "It's about the safety risk these decisions create for everyone using our roads." Gordon pointed to a recent collision in which a full-size pickup rolled completely over after being struck in an intersection, noting that serious crashes can happen even at city speeds. "We've seen a full-size pickup do a complete 360 roll onto its roof and back onto its wheels," he said. "Thankfully, we haven't seen serious injuries from many of these collisions, but the potential is definitely there." Urging caution RCMP are reminding drivers to slow down as they approach intersections, obey stop signs and traffic signals, use turn signals, yield when required and avoid trying to beat yellow lights. "Whether it's a last-minute lane change, racing through a changing traffic light or deciding to turn when you're questioning if there's enough space, impulsive decisions compromise safety," Gordon said. "We all play a part in keeping our community safe."