Manitoba Public Insurance is issuing an urgent call for people to drive safely after a deadly year on provincial roadways.

With two months left in 2016, road deaths already total more than 2015 numbers on Manitoba roads.

“This is about coming together as a community to say enough is enough,” said Justice Minister Heather Stefanson.

MPI said 85 people have died in crashes 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.

Cheryl Derry lost her husband in a crash on Dugald Road on Sept. 6, 2011.

“Police called, and they said they were coming to get me, which of course to a nurse you know that doesn’t mean things are very good at all,” said Derry.

Her husband Mark, 53, was hit by a drunk driver.

The 19-year-old driver of the other vehicle, Vann Hansell, was texting in the moments leading up to the crash.

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.

“I don’t want to be hearing things like that anymore because it brings it back, seeing people on their phones brings it all back. It never goes away but I don't need that visual reminder all the time either,” Derry said.

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.

Now MPI is asking people to make safe choices before heading out.

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.

“We have to remember that every year new drivers come on and it's not obvious that they know these messages,” said Crown Services Minister, Ron Schuler.

In 2016, 75 percent of driving deaths happened on rural roads.