Data from Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) revealed that in 2016, 112 Manitobans were fatally involved in 101 collisions. Another 19 lost their lives in snowmobile and ATV-related crashes.
MPI hopes that the data will serve as a wake-up call to motorists in the year ahead.
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Winnipeg Sun reported that the 112 road fatalities in 2016 is the highest number the province has recorded in a single year since 2006. By comparison, there were only 69 fatal crashes in 2015, which took the lives of 78 people.
Officials from the bureau said that a full analysis of the previous year’s collision data is in the works, but preliminary data reveals a significant increase in impaired driving, distracted driving, speed, and failure to wear seatbelts as contributing factors in the crashes.
“Buckling up all the time, driving to road and weather conditions, not driving when impaired by alcohol or drugs, or while distracted - these are all simple reminders that can help to prevent being involved in a collision,” said MPI vice-president Ward Keith in a statement. “They can also literally make the difference between life and death.”
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