Speeding remains a major issue on Manitoba roads

Speeding remains a critical factor in fatal accidents on Manitoba’s roads, with 40% of vehicles found to be travelling above the posted speed limit.

This is according to a province-wide observational study conducted by Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), which was conducted in 2022 and encompassed over 1.2 million vehicles at more than 50 urban and rural locations throughout the province.

“MPI data has consistently shown us that speed is a contributing factor in almost 20% of all fatal collisions annually and this latest study tells us that remains a common and risky habit for many drivers,” said Satvir Jatana, the Crown corporation’s chief customer officer.

Among the vehicles found to be speeding, 7% reportedly exceeded the limit by more than 10 kilometres per hour.

Preliminary data for 2023 also pointed to speed being a primary contributing factor in approximately 30% of the fatalities that occurred in Manitoba up to the present date.

MPI’s new electronic speed display sign program

In response to these findings, MPI is set to launch a new program aimed at increasing drivers’ awareness of their speeds.

Launching this fall, the program will provide electronic speed display signs to interested municipalities and First Nations. MPI will be funding the purchase of up to 35 signs in 2023 and an additional 20 signs in 2024, with no cost to the participating communities.

“The results of our pilot program conducted last year found that electronic signs are effective in reducing vehicle speeds and making our roads safer for all road users,” said Jatana.

Road safety tips to combat speeding

The Crown-owned insurer also offered the following road safety tips to help drivers maintain appropriate speeds:

1. Plan your route. Give yourself enough time to reach your destination safely, so you don't feel rushed to speed.
    
2. Use cruise control. When possible, utilize cruise control to help maintain a consistent and safe speed, avoiding inadvertent speeding.
    
3. Maintain a safe following distance. Keep a minimum of four seconds of distance between your vehicle and the one in front, particularly in ideal driving conditions.
    
4. Respond to emergency vehicles. When passing by a roadside emergency vehicle, move to the farthest lane from the scene. Drivers are also required to slow down to 40 km/h when the posted speed limit is below 79 km/h or 60 km/h when the posted speed limit is 80 km/h or higher.

“No matter what road you’re on, when you’re behind the wheel it’s important to drive the speed limit for that area and remember to adjust for weather, road and traffic conditions,” said Jatana.

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