RoadWatch begins May long weekend
More than 600 drinking drivers have been removed from the road over the last three years as a result of the RoadWatch program which is funded by Manitoba Public Insurance.
RoadWatch begins again this Victoria Day long weekend, continuing until November. Manitoba’s public auto insurer provides nearly $600,000 in funding, which allows police agencies to conduct additional impaired driving roadside checks throughout the summer.
As a road safety leader in the province, Manitoba Public Insurance and its law enforcement partners are committed to reducing alcohol-related deaths and injuries in the province, said Marilyn McLaren, President and CEO of Manitoba Public Insurance.
“Visible enforcement is one of the most effective ways of deterring impaired driving behavior,” said McLaren. “RoadWatch is highly effective when combined with public education.”
Now in its 15th year of operation, RoadWatch combines increased law enforcement with an awareness campaign aimed at reducing both the human and economic costs of impaired driving crashes.
“Nearly one-third of all road fatalities and injuries are directly related to alcohol,” said McLaren. “Drivers need to plan ahead if they know they’re going to consume alcohol. There are many options to get home safety – designated driver, taxi, or staying with friends or family.”
Manitoba’s drinking and driving laws are considered some of the toughest in Canada. Last year the province announced that convicted first-time convicted impaired driving offenders would have to use an ignition interlock device following their licence suspension period.
“RoadWatch complements the province’s strategy to get drinking drivers off the road,” said Attorney General Andrew Swan, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance.
Last year, police agencies participating in RoadWatch – eight in total, including Winnipeg Police Service, RCMP and Brandon Police Service – provided 1,228 visibility hours, conducted 338 check stop dates over 136 days, screened 63,278 vehicles, removed 210 impaired drivers, issued 127 Liquor Control Act infractions and Controlled Drug Substance Act violations and 2,138 Highway Traffic Act offence notices.
“The success of RoadWatch is reflected in the number of drinking drivers removed from the roadways,” said Chief Devon Clunis of the Winnipeg Police Service. “The high visibility of roadside checks sends a strong message to all drivers that police are out and looking for the drinking driver.”
Rural Manitoba drivers can also expect to see front-line officers working RoadWatch.
“Many Manitoba families have been devastated by the actions of impaired drivers,” said Commissioner Kevin Brosseau, Commanding Officer of RCMP D Division.
“Society no longer tolerates drinking and driving. RoadWatch is a highly effective strategy to taking these drivers off our roads, and making it safer for those who don’t drink and drive.”
