It’s a sure sign that August long weekend is here.
The highway heading to cottage country is jam packed.
"Oh boy, going east, there's a lot of traffic. I wonder if there's any left in Winnipeg," said driver Marcel Desautels.
The busy weekend traffic can make roads more dangerous for drivers.
Manitoba Public Insurance says 40 per cent of deaths on holiday weekends occur on the Friday. On average, one person is killed and 30 injured over the three days.
"With the volume of traffic on the roads, it just takes one guy to step out of line and stuff happens," said driver Dave Gauthier.
Another troubling trend suggests the drive to the cabin on Manitoba roads this year could be even more risky than normal.
RCMP say at this point in 2015 there were 28 collisions resulting in 30 deaths. In 2016, the death toll has nearly doubled to date -- 51 crashes leaving 55 people dead.
RCMP say the major reasons for the deadly increase are speed, a lack of seatbelt use, and alcohol.
"It doesn't shock me, but it greatly disappoints me," said Mothers Against Drunk Driving Winnipeg President Melody Bodnarchuk.
Bodnarchuk lost her nephew six years ago when a drunk driver slammed into his vehicle. She says many drivers believe a tragedy on the highway can't happen to them. Bodnarchuk stresses people need to plan ahead.
"When you're drinking and partying, your mind is not set for making plans. You don't make good choices."
Desautels suggests drivers need to relax.
"A lot of people are in a hurry to get where their destination is, they're not thinking."
