Over the last two months there have been 23 road fatalities on Manitoba roadways, according to Manitoba Public Insurance claims data.
“One fatality is too many,” said MaryAnn Kempe, Vice-President, Business Development, Communications & Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance. “But the goal moving forward is to put out a call of action to Manitobans to exercise road safety this Labour Day holiday weekend.
“Many fatalities could have been prevented had motorists changed their driving behavior. Losing a friend, brother, sister, mother and father is emotionally devastating. Let’s aim to avoid this and make this a happy Labour Day weekend.”
More than 80 per cent of the fatalities in July and August took place on rural highways and roads.
“As first responders to the scene of fatal collisions, as the ones who have to go and inform family members their loved one has died, as the ones who have to witness, document and investigate the horrific circumstances of these collisions, the RCMP asks you to please make smart choices,” said Inspector Joanne Keeping, Officer in Charge of RCMP Traffic Services.
“We want to see everyone get home safely. These types of collisions are preventable if people drive safely, buckle up and drive sober.”
Road Safety Tips:
- Don’t drink and drive. On average, about 30 per cent of Manitoba road deaths are related to alcohol.
- Buckle up. A person is nearly 21 times more likely to be killed and five times more likely to be seriously injured when not wearing a seatbelt.
- Put away the cellphone. On average, 25 people are killed each year on Manitoba roadways due to distracted driving.
- Slow down – Speed kills. Nearly 30 per cent of fatal collisions are linked to speeding.
- Don’t drive drowsy. On average, there about 100 fatigue-related crashes reported each year in Manitoba ─nearly half of those crashes causing an injury or death.
