Nearly 50 people are killed yearly on Manitoba roadways due to the deadly combination of distracted driving and alcohol-related collisions, according to Manitoba Public Insurance.
With the holiday season fast approaching, Manitoba’s public auto insurer and its road safety partners are putting out a call of action to all motorists to make this a safe and happy holiday season.
“Fatalities on Manitoba roadways have been steadily declining over the last two decades,” said MaryAnn Kempe, Vice-President, Business Development, Communications & Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.
“One fatality is too many and there are real people behind these numbers. Having a good plan this holiday before heading out is key to avoiding a tragedy. There is no excuse for drinking and driving. There are many options available for those who choose to consume alcohol ─ call Operation Red Nose, have a designated driver, hire a taxi, stay overnight, call a sober friend or family member to drive you home.”
According to data collected by Manitoba Public Insurance, there were 85 fatalities on public roads in 2013, which is a decline of 11.5 per cent from the 96 fatalities reported in 2012, and a decline of 9.6 per cent from the preceding five-year average (2008-2012).
Last year, 2013, had the fewest auto-collision fatalities (85) in the last 20 years. For the last five years (2009-2013), the fatality rate was 1.1 (per 10,000 drivers) compared to a fatality rate of 1.5 in the five years previous (2004-2008). This year there have been 64 fatalities as of the end of November.
