Manitoba RCMP launched their annual Holiday Checkstop Program Friday, meant to keep motorists safe on the roads this holiday season.
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Justice Minister Andrew Swan, RCMP “D” Division Assistant Commissioner Bill Robinson, and representatives from Manitoba Public Insurance and Mothers Against Drunk Driving took part in a media event to launch the program.
The program remains focused on high risk drivers, particularly those driving impaired. Police will also be checking for seat belt use and ticketing speeders.
There have been 89 fatal collisions this year alone on Manitoba roads, resulting in 104 deaths, and alcohol/drug use is considered a contributing factor in 31 of those crashes — roughly 35%.
The program will run through Christmas and New Years, wrapping up January 1, 2012.
Winnipeg police are also expected to soon launch their own checkstop program, targeting drivers inside the city.
Operation Red Nose is available to those who need a safe ride home during the holidays.
ChrisD.ca video/WpgCameraMan
