The St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP would like to issue a reminder to everyone that the practice of safety on Manitoba highways is a matter of life and death.
According to Corporal Julie Courchaine, at the halfway point of this year, fatalities on Manitoba highways are already way up from previous years.
“So far this year we have had 68 people die in motor vehicle collisions in Manitoba,” says Courchaine. “Well above last year’s number of 40 and above the five-year average of 38. This is very concerning, as these deaths are preventable.”
In many of the collisions, fatal or otherwise, alcohol has been a factor.
To help keep you and your passengers safe this summer, the RCMP are asking drivers to be extra vigilant behind the wheel. For everyone’s benefit, drive sober. Wear your seatbelt and pay attention to the road. Keep your hands off your cell phone, follow a safe distance behind other vehicles, and just slow down.
So far in July, the local detachment has already responded to one fatal and several serious collisions.
On July 8, at approximately 5:35 p.m., officers attended to a single vehicle rollover on Highway 59 in the RM of De Salaberry. The vehicle had caught fire and two occupants were found outside the vehicle.
The 21-year-old male passenger from St. Malo was transported to hospital having sustained very serious injuries. The driver, a 22-year-old male, sustained only minor injuries but failed a breathalyzer test.
A second single-vehicle rollover took place on July 10 at around 4:45 a.m. on Highway 206 near New Bothwell. Two passengers were involved, including an 18-year-old driver from Niverville and a 19-year-old female passenger from Lorette.
Both were transported to hospital with severe injuries after being discovered by a passing driver who stopped to assist and contact emergency services.
On July 11, the female succumbed to her injuries in hospital. RCMP continue to investigate the cause of the collision.
Two days later, on July 13 at around 10:15 a.m., police responded to a possible impaired driving call when a witness reported a vehicle driving off the road and into the ditch on Highway 59 in the RM of Ritchot.
The vehicle’s 32-year-old female driver from Winnipeg failed a breathalyzer test and was immediately issued a roadside suspension. The vehicle was impounded.
“If you witness impaired driving, please call your local police and report it,” Courchaine says. “It can save lives.”
