Winnipeg, Manitoba — As provinces delve deeper into re-opening stages, Manitoba’s MPI is reminding drivers that as life returns to normal, so too will traffic accident rates as commuters start resuming regular schedules.
According to Manitoba Public Insurance, the number of deaths and serious injuries from car crashes spiked during the months public health orders were loosened between the first and second waves.
MPI’s data says that 29 people were killed on public roadways in August and September 2020, an increase of 79 percent was noted, compared to the previous five-year (2015-2019) average of 16 fatalities during these two months.
“MPI has shared this data with police agencies throughout our province and they indicated they are prepared to address this potential increase in high-risk driving behaviour in a proactive manner. But all road users have a role to play in ensuring our highways and streets are safe,” said Satvir Jatana, MPI’s chief customer officer, in a news release.
“While we are all looking forward to getting back to regular summer activities with friends and family, we can’t forget about road safety. The increases in deaths and serious injuries we saw last summer can be avoided if we all commit to making better choices behind the wheel.”
MPI posted the following tips for staying safe on the roads:
- Don’t drive impaired. Both drugs and alcohol can affect a person’s ability to drive. On average, 25 people in Manitoba are killed yearly due to impaired driving.
- Buckle up! A person is nearly 50 times more likely to be killed and four times more likely to be seriously injured when not wearing a seatbelt.
- Don’t text and drive. On average, 28 people are killed yearly in Manitoba in a distracted driving collision.
- Drive within the posted speed limit or to weather conditions. On average, 20 people are killed yearly in Manitoba in a speed-related collision. (Source: MPI)
