Second Deadliest February in Two Decades: Manitoba Public Insurance

Manitoba PostNews

WINNIPEG, MB – Today, Manitoba Public Insurance reported that a total of nine fatalities occurred last month, making February 2018 the second worst February for road deaths in two decades.

With the four deaths recorded in January, the total number of road fatalities in the first two months of 2018 is nearly three times higher than in the same period last year and twice as high as the preceding five year average.

“The number of fatalities on Manitoba roadways last month should be a wake-up call to all drivers, particularly with several weeks of winter weather and road conditions still ahead of us,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development and Communications, CAO, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Winter driving can be a challenge for the best of drivers but when combined with high-risk driving behaviours the outcomes can be tragic.”

Preliminary data shows almost half of these crashes involved impaired driving and nearly two in three involved not wearing seatbelts. In two thirds of the crashes, speed is also suspected as a contributing factor, including driving too fast for road and weather conditions.

“As we focus on making 2018 a safer year for collisions on Manitoba roadways, it is essential that all drivers take personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of other road users,” said Keith. “Together we need to change the conversation about traffic safety and create a culture where even one fatality or serious injury is considered one too many. And that change needs to start now.”

Kevin Klein, Manitoba Post

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