Summer has come to an end in our province and even though it appeared to go by quickly, RCMP officers were kept very busy ensuring the safety on Manitoba roads.
From Victoria Day long weekend, May 16, 2014, to Labour Day long weekend, September 1, 2014, Manitoba RCMP issued approximately 10,000 tickets for provincial traffic charges. Roughly 6,300 of those tickets were issued for speeding offences alone, while several were issued for driving 50 km/h over the speed limit.
RCMP also charged 489 individuals with Criminal Code impaired driving related charges and issued an additional 263 alcohol and drug related administrative suspensions, which vary in length from 24 hours for a first offence to 15-60 days for those with multiple offences.
Unfortunately, during that time frame, the RCMP responded to 28 fatal motor vehicle collisions which resulted in 30 deaths. Although those numbers are down from the same period of time in 2013, (43 fatal motor vehicle collisions and 51 deaths), there is always room for improvement.
The RCMP are challenging the public for the fall season:
Experiment – Drive within the speed limit, buckle-up, drive sober and be aware of your surroundings while behind the wheel.
Results – Arrive alive and save money.
