Assistant Commissioner Scott Kolody, Commanding Officer of “D” Division RCMP, today announced the kickoff of the 2016 Holiday Checkstop program. He was joined by the Honourable Ron Schuler, Minister of Crown Services and Shannon Bunkowsky, Director of Loss Prevention for Manitoba Public Insurance.
To date, there have been 105 fatalities on provincial roadways. The total for 2015 was 80.
“We are seeing disturbing driving behaviours that are endangering the lives of Manitobans,” said A/Commr Kolody. “Of tremendous concern is people drinking and then driving – but we are also seeing texting and driving, speeding and lack of seatbelt use.”
The Checkstop campaign will begin on December 2, 2016 and run until January 2, 2017. Of particular concern are people driving while impaired, and high risk drivers.
“Highly visible roadside Checkstops send a powerful message to all motorists that RCMP officers are committed to keeping our roads safe for everyone,” said Schuler. “The consequences of getting behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs can be tragic. The RCMP and likeminded road safety agencies are committed to making this a happy holiday season, and we encourage all Manitobans to do their part to keep Manitobans safe on the roads this season.”
Manitoba Public Insurance is also committed to reducing the number of fatalities on Manitoba roadways.
“Clearly, this year, the Holiday Checkstop Program has never been more important,” said Bunkowsky. “The work of our law enforcement partners has never mattered more to road safety. High-risk and dangerous driving behaviours have real consequences – not only fines, demerits, loss of a driver’s license but serious injuries and too often this year, death.”
“The truth is, if behaviours don’t change, an estimated 10 people will die on our roads during the holidays,” said A/Commr Kolody. “And in the past decade, there has not been a single year when someone has not died.”
One more death is one too many. Don’t be a statistic. Buckle up, drive sober, put your phone down and drive for the conditions.
