Additional roadside checks by police
Manitoba Public Insurance’s successful anti-drinking and driving program, RoadWatch, begins this May long weekend.
Now in its 14th year, RoadWatch combines increased law enforcement with a public awareness campaign aimed at reducing both the human and economic costs of impaired driving crashes.
“Roadside spot checks are a highly visual, proven way of reducing the number of drinking drivers,” says Ted Hlynsky, Vice-President, Claims Control & Safety Operations, Manitoba Public Insurance.
“Through RoadWatch, Manitoba Public Insurance is able to make a very meaningful commitment to stopping impaired driving.”
Manitoba’s public auto insurer funds RoadWatch, which allows for additional roadside, alcohol checkstops. The program runs from May long weekend to November.
Every year in Manitoba about 104 people are killed in traffic crashes – and alcohol is involved in about one-third of these fatalities.
Last year, RoadWatch participating police agencies provided 1,056 visibility hours, conducted 135 check stop dates at 337 locations, screened 58,830 vehicles, removed 232 impaired drivers and issued 140 Liquor Control Act infractions, 26 Controlled Drug Substance Act violations and 2651 Highway Traffic Act offence notices – including 1048 speeding and 194 seatbelt offences .
A few seconds of planning may prevent a life-time of suffering, says Hlynsky.
“Many alcohol-related crashes are totally preventable. If you’re going to drink, know beforehand how you are going to get home safely. Plan ahead – think before you drink!”
