By Tyler Sutherland
As the New Year fast approaches, Manitoba Public Insurance has come out with their list of top 10 safe driving resolutions for motorists in 2012.
“These resolutions are all achievable and easy to remember,” said Ted Hlynsky of MPI.
10. To yield to pedestrians and watch for cyclists
9. To slow down and move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or tow truck
8. To give myself plenty of distance between me and the vehicle in front of me
7. To give myself plenty of time and not to rush
6. To be courteous to other drivers and use my turn signals
5. To drive to road conditions
4. To always wear my seat belt and make sure everyone in my vehicle is buckled up
3. To never text and drive
2. To not let others drink and drive
1. To never drink and drive
“On a serious note, more than 100 people were killed on Manitoba roadways in 2011 — 20 more than 2010,” Hlynsky said. “Many of these road deaths and injuries could have been prevented had a driver changed their behaviour.”
“For the one second it takes to do up a seatbelt, turn off the phone, choose not to speed or drink and drive… deaths and injuries will be reduced in our province if drivers make the right decision.”
RCMP released the latest statistics from week three of their Holiday Checkstop Program this week, where they reported an increase in the number of impaired driving arrests from this time last year.
As revellers prepare to ring in 2012, a number of options are available to get home safely. Volunteers at Operation Red Nose will be working all night, and Winnipeg Transit will be offering free rides home up until 1:38 a.m. on January 1.
