“D” Division RCMP members continued their focus on high risk driving behaviours, which puts drivers, passengers and other road users most at risk, during the October 8-11, 2010, Operation Impact – Canada’s National campaign to make our roads safer.
As a result of the campaign, 24 persons were charged with driving while their ability was impaired by alcohol, an additional 20 persons had their driver’s licences suspended as a result of a roadside screening device, 59 persons were charged for not using their occupant restraint (seat belt) and 415 were charged for aspects related to aggressive driving by Manitoba RCMP members. No fatalities occurred over the Thanksgiving long weekend; however one fatal collision occurred just prior to the weekend kick-off which resulted in the deaths of five people.
During the 2008 campaign 24 were charged for impaired driving, 90 for failing to wear their seatbelts, and 215 for aggressive driving. One fatal collision, resulting in the death of one driver, occurred during this period.
Educating the public in safe driving practices remains the priority of all RCMP Traffic Services Units and Detachments.
The Operation Impact initiative, as well as other programs such as the Christmas Check stops, National Road Safety Week, Summer Speeding campaign, Road watch, etc., are all part of Road Safety Vision 2010, which has the goal of making Canada’s roads the safest in the world by 2010, and will continue to operate in coming years to reduce the dangers on our roadways.
