It is a warning that has been said for years but some Manitobans seem to be ignoring it with deadly results.
RCMP released a public service announcement in an effort to get drivers to pay attention, wear their seat belts, don’t drive impaired and slow down.
“Manitobans know they must wear a seatbelt, yet our officers are responding to people being ejected from their vehicles on a regular basis. Speeding and impaired drivers continue to kill people at an alarming rate” said Chief Superintendent Mark Fisher of the Manitoba RCMP. “We must all make a change to our driving behaviour or I fear the tragic loss of life on our roads will continue. To ensure our message is heard, effective immediately, I have directed all RCMP officers across Manitoba to focus on road safety. Manitobans can expect to see a stronger approach to traffic enforcement. There is no excuse for what is happening.”
- In 50% of applicable fatal collisions, not wearing a seatbelt was listed as a contributing factor
- In 48% of applicable fatal collisions, speed was listed as a contributing factor
- In 39% of applicable fatal collisions, being impaired was listed as a contributing factor
- In 57% of applicable off road vehicle and motorcycle collisions, not wearing a helmet was listed as a contributing factor
In 2015 1183 people were charged with impaired driving from the beginning of January until the end of October. In 2016 over the same period the number increased significantly to 1240.
