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Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has reported a considerable drop in the number of people killed in vehicular crashes on provincial roads for the first few months of 2019.
According to the insurer, five people in Manitoba died in crashes during the first two months of the year. In comparison, the average number of people killed in crashes during January-February since 2009 was 10; this year’s number represents a 50% decrease.
This year’s number also marks a 62% drop from last year, which saw 13 deaths between January and February 2018.
The fatality reductions come not long after MPI had implemented its road safety action plan – called “Save the 100” – last October, CBC News reported. MPI’s campaign asked drivers in the province to carefully consider the effect fatal crashes has on the loved ones of the 100 people who have died in collisions each year over the past ten years.
“While the first two months of 2019 are very positive, there is still much work to do as we strive for zero fatalities,” said MPI vice-president of human resources and chief human resources officer Satvir Jatana.
“The reality is that every single person killed in a motor vehicle collision over the last decade had a personal connection to someone. Each and every one of their lives mattered.”
Jatana called for Manitobans to be less accepting towards road fatalities and more committed to further reducing auto-related deaths down to zero.
MPI also reported that there were no off-road vehicle fatalities during the first two months of the year. In 2018, three deaths were recorded during January and February.
