Citing data from last year, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) reported that 2017 had the second lowest number of fatal collisions for the past 35 years.
Specifically, the insurer recorded 65 fatal collisions last year, with 73 victims. Of the 73, seven were motorcyclists and 11 were pedestrians. Notably, no cyclists were killed last year.
“While it is very positive that road fatalities in 2017 were the second lowest in the last 35 years in Manitoba, the fact that 73 lives were lost is a stark reminder that much work still needs to be done to change the driving culture within our province,” said MPI chief administrative officer Ward Keith.
By comparison, 2016 saw 107 deaths – this prompted MPI to issue a notice to Manitobans in October that year reminding them to drive more carefully,
CBC News reported.
The lowest figure MPI saw in 35 years was recorded in 2014, when 68 people died.
Although the insurer is still determining the specifics, MPI noted that driving drunk or high, texting while driving, speeding, and not wearing seatbelts were primary factors in collision fatalities.
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