There’s been a 42 percent increase in road fatalities in Manitoba over the last three months, compared to the average number of fatalities over the same time period in the previous five years, reports Manitoba Public Insurance.
The claims data was collected from September 1st. Over that period of time, a total of 34 people have been killed in vehicle collisions, compared to an average of 24 fatalities in previous years.
To date in 2015, a total of 71 people have been killed in collisions on public roadways which is already more than the total number of fatalities recorded in all of 2014.
“Of significant concern is the fact that nearly 50 per cent of this year’s fatalities have occurred in the last three months,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and chief product officer, Manitoba Public Insurance. “Sadly, many of these fatalities have involved not using seatbelts, head-on collisions and driver inattention.
Coming into the winter months, drivers are also encouraged to give themselves more time to arrive at destinations, drive cautiously, be patient, and drive in a courteous manner. “We want everyone to arrive home safely to their families and friends and these simple reminders can make a huge difference.”
Manitoba Public Insurance also reminds motorists to drive to road conditions and for those interested in purchasing winter snow tires, information can be found online at www.mpi.mb.ca.
“Speed, impaired driving, distracted driving and failure to wear seatbelts are all high-risk driving behaviours that can result in tragic outcomes,” said Keith. “Driving safely and defensively can truly be the difference between life and death.”
