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Over a thousand drivers were caught breaking the law on gravel back roads in Manitoba last year, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) revealed in a recent release.
The insurer partnered with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in the spring of 2017 for a “dedicated gravel road enforcement project,” CBC News reported.
A release from MPI said that there are more than 3,000 crashes reported on gravel roads each year.
“On average, 14 people are killed and nearly 500 people injured in crashes on gravel roads in Manitoba annually,” said MPI vice president of business development & communications Ward Keith in a statement.
Keith added that about 40% of fatal crashes are alcohol-related and 20% due to speeding.
The drivers caught last year as part of the safety campaign were ticketed and charged for speeding, failure to wear seatbelts, not stopping at intersections, open alcohol, and impaired driving.
“Regardless if you are driving on a gravel road, an urban street or the Trans-Canada Highway, the laws are the same. Hopefully our increased presence on gravel roads will encourage drivers to slow down, buckle up, pay attention to the road, and drive sober,” commented chief superintendent Mark Fisher.
