A pickup truck and farm swather both rolled after a crash on Highway 83 in this 2014 file photo. (RCMP HANDOUT)
WINNIPEG — With two months to go in 2016, Manitoba has already exceeded last year’s total number of fatalities on provincial roads.
There have been 85 fatalities this year, with 38 percent of those related to impaired driving.
“Today we’re putting out an urgent call of road safety action to Manitoba motorists,” said Crown Services’ Minister Ron Schuler.
“The increase in road fatalities is disturbing. We must remember that this is much more than just a number but represents mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends, co-workers, and best friends.”
Speed accounted for nearly 20 percent of the fatalities. Another 11 Manitobans were killed due to non-seatbelt use. Almost 70 percent of all the fatalities were male, and nearly 25 percent were under 25-years-old.
MPI says it will continue its proactive approach to education and awareness.
“No one should suffer the tragedy of losing someone to an impaired or speeding driver,” said Staff Sergeant Rob Riffel with the Winnipeg Police Service. “These behaviours are choices, bad ones. Driving impaired or speeding puts drivers, passengers and pedestrians at risk, and every year far too many Manitobans lose their lives to this selfish behaviour.”
