A judge has ruled that a Saskatchewan driver accused of killing a highway flag worker in a construction zone was aware of his charter rights.

Justice Lana Krogan said that RCMP made it clear that Keith Dunford of Regina could call a legal aid attorney before police interviewed him, and even gave him a phone number.

Dunford is charged with criminal negligence causing death and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death.

Ashley Richards was hit near Midale by an SUV on her first day on the job in August 2012.

The 18-year-old woman was originally from Lakeside, N.B.

Dunford's lawyer had argued Dunford was distraught and that he was unfamiliar with Canada's legal system because he had only emigrated from England three years ago.