(FILE)
Manitoba Public Insurance says 2019 is shaping up to be one of the deadliest on the roads for pedestrians.
The public insurer says as of mid-September, there have been 12 fatal pedestrian crashes this year, compared to 12 in the previous five-year annual average.
“The focus for both pedestrians and motorists must be road safety,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for communications with MPI. “We must all do our part to keep our roads safe. Road safety is the responsibility of all Manitobans.”
The new data represents the highest pedestrian fatality count in the last 20 years. Currently, the most pedestrian deaths in a single year is 16 in 2007, according to MPI.
The Crown corporation says about half of all pedestrian deaths occur at an intersection, while one in 10 deaths take place either between intersections or while walking on the road.
