News - Texting

Manitoba Public Insurance is taking its anti-distracted driving ‘Your Last Words’ campaign to the next level – a texting and driving simulator.

Manitobans with hearing of speech difficulties have a new way to contact the RCMP and other emergency services.

Good drivers just drive. It is drivers who are distracted who become a danger on the road. Year-to-date, 86 people have died on Manitoba roads.

On September 25, 2013, RCMP East District Traffic Services staged a mock vehicle collision that focused on the deadly consequences of texting and driving.

Drivers caught using their hand-held electronic devices will soon be assessed demerits, Justice Minister Andrew Swan, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance, announced.

The average Canadian sends or receives 41.5 texts per day, with those in the 18-24 age group texting more than 100 times a day.

Fair and clear cell phone and texting contracts would be required under new rules as part of the province’s Let’s Make a Better Deal strategy.

In the wake of the phenomenal rise in texting by teens as a main way to communicate with each other, there is a serious risk to youth who send nude photos, Family Services and Consumer Affairs Minister Gord Mackintosh said today.