Manitoba Public Insurance says that in the month since Manitoba’s new distracted driving law took effect on November 1, 2018, 237 driver’s licences were suspended for the minimum three day period.
149 of those drivers were in Winnipeg, 21 in Brandon and the remaining 67 throughout the rest of Manitoba.
[jaw_quote author=”Scott Kolody, Commander Manitoba RCMP” ]Our officers regularly see distracted drivers cause collisions that result in serious injury and even death.[/jaw_quote][jaw_clear]
“Distracted driving remains a very serious road safety issue in Manitoba,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for communications, Manitoba Public Insurance. “In 2017 alone, distracted driving was a contributing factor in more than 15,000 collisions, while 30 Manitobans lost their lives in distracted-related motor vehicle collisions.
MPI says that too many drivers are not getting the message about the dangers of distracted driving.
Drivers face a $672 fine and an immediate roadside licence suspension and five demerits if they are caught using a hand-held electronic device while driving.
RCMP Assistant Commissioner Scott Kolody, Commanding Officer of the Manitoba RCMP and President of the Manitoba Association Chiefs of Police said that police throughout the province see distracted drivers on a regular basis who cause collisions resulting in serious injuries and death.
“These new, strong penalties send a very clear message that such driving behaviour will not be tolerated. Officers across the province will continue to look for, ticket and suspend distracted drivers so that Manitoba roads are safer for everyone” said Kolody.
© 2018 News 4
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