Six fatalities on Manitoba roads this past weekend have left six families to plan funerals and RCMP calling for more attention from drivers.
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Inspector Ed Moreland with the RCMP Traffic Division said a lot of these collisions are termed “accidents.” But, he says this is a very misused and misquoted word: he prefers collisions as most are avoidable.
“This year we’re up. I think we’re at 92 now. Which looks like if it follows its course we’ll probably hit 100 by the end of the year which is unfortunate,” said Moreland.
Moreland is calling the 92 fatalities to date for this year a tragedy that he wishes officers could have been there to stop.
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RCMP and others who share the Manitoba highways a lot said they’ve noticed an increase in distracted driving: not only texting, but using GPS in the car, the radio, and passing things to kids in the back seat.
Roger Brisson has been a truck driver for 30 years and said he’s seen it all. When he started he said he felt safe. Now he’s eager to retire because he just doesn’t like the roads anymore.
Two of the four crashes last weekend were caused by drivers going the wrong way on four-lane, divided highways.
RCMP said alcohol, speed and distracted driving are all being considered factors in Sunday’s crash that claimed the lives of two women in their 20s.
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RCMP Officers are leaving drivers with a simple, yet powerful reminder.
“At the end of the day one bad decision can cost you your life. I think that to me is the most sobering reality of driving,” said Moreland.
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