By Brian Schultz
Nine Manitobans have been killed on provincial roadways in a five-week period, leaving Manitoba Public Insurance concerned over the spike in fatalities.
The data, which reflects the period between October 31 to December 3, 2010, comes as many motorists are finding safe modes of transportation after enjoying a night out during the holiday season.
MPI data shows that the Christmas season is the second-worst holiday period for road fatalities. Over the last five years, a total of eight Manitobans have been killed during the holiday season. Another 349 people were injured during the holidays from 2005 to 2009.
About 30 percent of all road fatalities and injuries in Manitoba are the result of alcohol, while speed-related incidents account for another 25 percent of fatalities.
A number of alternatives are available for arriving home safely, such as calling a taxi, arranging for a designated driver, using Operation Red Nose, or CAA’s new Drive You Home service.
The RCMP and Winnipeg police are out in full force with their annual Holiday Check Stop Programs to catch impaired drivers on the road.
