Manitoba’s 700,000 drivers are encouraged to pay special attention to their driving habits during Manitoba Road Safety Week, May 16-21, an annual campaign aimed at making this province’s roads safe.

This year Manitoba Public Insurance is strongly encouraging motorists to practice safety around intersections. Each year about 30 Manitobans are killed and 200 others injured in intersection collisions. Many of these incidents are the direct result of running a red light, improper turning or driver inattention.

“Sadly, many fatal crashes could have been prevented if only the drivers had changed their attitudes, or driving behaviour,” said Lou Gervino, Driver Education Manager of Manitoba Public Insurance.

Manitoba Road Safety Week is declared every year in support of National Road Safety Week, which is sponsored by Transport Canada and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. The week is part of Road Safety Vision 2010, a country-wide effort to make Canada's roads the safest in the world by 2010.

“The timing of Road Safety Week has been strategically chosen, as it takes us into the first "summer" long weekend,” said Gervino. “More people are traveling and traffic crashes are more frequent. Drivers can arrive at their destinations safely by making some minor driving adjustments.”

The focus is behaviours that put drivers, passengers and other road users most at risk: impaired driving, seat belt use, and inattention at intersections. Activities planned by Manitoba partners during the week include a mini car town for children, roadside CheckStops and high school presentations.

“In 2004 there were 99 traffic-related deaths in Manitoba,” said Gervino. “About one-third of those were alcohol related, while speed-related fatalities accounted for about 26 per cent. The driver can make the decision not to speed or drink and drive. It’s about behaviour and attitude.”

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Brian Smiley
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