Winnipeg, Manitoba — May 7, 2017 — Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) groups operating in communities throughout Manitoba were out on their respective roadways last week, promoting “Spotlight on Speed” which ran from May 1 to 6. Volunteers operated speed reader boards provided by Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) to raise awareness of posted speed limits in their communities and as a reminder about the dangers of driving over the posted speed limit or too fast for road and weather conditions.
Data collected by participating volunteers will also be shared with local law enforcement in these communities to help inform their speed enforcement efforts.
“COPP volunteers play a key role in helping keep their communities safe,” said Crown Services Minister Ron Schuler. “Such activities would not be possible without the work of these dedicated volunteers. These high visual, road-side activities are very effective in sending a road safety message to all motorists.”
Speeding claims about 21 lives yearly in Manitoba, in addition to 600 people injured in speed-related crashes.
“The purpose of ‘Spotlight on Speed’ Week is to raise awareness about this high-risk driving behaviour and for drivers to self-evaluate and adjust accordingly,” said Ward Keith, VP, Loss Prevention and Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance.
Speeding is also the theme of the fourth UN Global Road Safety Week, which will be held May 8 to 14. Dozens of countries from around the world, including Canada, will focus on speed and what can be done to address this key risk factor for road traffic deaths and injuries.
Speed contributes to around one-third of all fatal road traffic crashes in high-income countries, and up to half in low- and middle-income countries, according to the UN Road Safety Collaboration.
