Manitoba Public Insurance is issuing an urgent call to drivers to be careful after an already deadly year on provincial roadways.
With two months left in 2016, road deaths already total more than 2015 numbers on Manitoba roads.
MPI said 85 people have died on highways and city streets, up from 78 road fatalities in 2015.
“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,” said Crown Services Minister Ron Schuler
MPI said the causes of the collisions are often associated with high-risk driving behaviours.
Impaired driving was the cause of 32 deaths this year, speed accounted for 16, and 11 Manitobans were killed driving without a seatbelt.
Almost 70 per cent of the deaths were men, MPI said, while one-quarter of the victims were under 25 years old.
MPI said it will continue to focus on education and awareness in order to curb the deadly trend.
The crown corporation is also working with MADD Canada and police agencies to reinforce the importance of road safety.
MPI said motorists should have a plan for a way home before heading out for a night of partying, pull over if you feel the need to text, don’t get into a vehicle with a driver who’s been drinking or taking drugs, be mindful of speed limits, and buckle up.
