WINNIPEG — The number of fatal vehicle collisions in Manitoba more than doubled this year over last.
As of May 8, 2016 there have been 29 people killed in car crashes compared to 13 during that same time period in 2015, RCMP said.
Sgt. Bert Paquet said alcohol and speed are the key contributing factors behind this latest spike in fatalities. He also said distracted driving and drivers not wearing a seat belt play a significant role.
Paquet said it’s sad that many of the fatalities have been caused by collisions that are so violent, as they send people flying from their cars.
With a long weekend approaching, Paquet is hoping to get the word out to prevent more deaths, but said sadly, almost every long weekend a Manitoban loses their life in a collision.
“I would hate to stand here and say that we will likely see some fatalities this weekend on our roads. Someone will be killed on our roads. Unfortunately [the] past is the proof of what’s ahead of us,” said Paquet.
Les Yasinsky’s son, Brett Yasinsky, was killed by a drunk driver in November of 2010. He said because of one drunk driver making a bad decision, his family is left paying the price for a lifetime.
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“It just makes me sick. It just makes me sick, that’s 29 lives lost that’s affected so many families,” said Yasinsky.
Paquet and Yasinsky are both begging and pleading with drivers to plan ahead before getting on the road this long weekend or ever. Asking drivers if they’re going to drink to have a designated driver ahead of time.