Emergency crews across the Southeast are off to a busy start this summer, responding to a surge in vehicle collisions and urging motorists to drive with extra caution.
According to the RCMP, the weekend saw several serious collisions.
“Very sadly and tragically, the Manitoba RCMP has already responded to multiple fatal collisions in various parts of the province over the last few days, even before the Canada Day holiday.”
Hanover Fire Chief Paul Wiebe confirms that it has been an intense weekend for their crews, and for others across the province.
“It does seem like it has ramped up. I don't know the exact reason, but probably part of it is due to traffic volume on the roads that usually picks up in summer. It’s these stints, and we’ve run into them before.”
He notes that holidays and long weekends often bring a spike in road traffic, which can lead to a higher risk of collisions.
“There's a lot more traffic on the road, not just passenger vehicles, but there's a lot more truck traffic. Vehicles are turning, slowing down, and there's all sorts of situations that are created and with the heavy traffic volume that we have on some of our roads, it's not a surprise, but it is concerning sometimes.”
Wiebe says the increasing traffic can serve as a reminder for motorists to be extra vigilant as they drive.
“Just keeping good driving habits, not that any of these collisions that we've had lately are necessarily attributed to bad driving habits or anything like that, but whatever we can do to stay safer out there is never negative, it's always a positive thing.”
He points out that while many things can lead to a collision, there are steps drivers can take to reduce risk.
“Distracted driving is a big thing,” he says. “Speed, regular speed limit highway speeds, it can be quite devastating to have a crash at those speeds, let alone higher. So do not exceed the posted speed limit. Alcohol consumption or consumption of any other products that might impair your driving is always a concern and we just encourage people to not do that.”
Weibe reminds drivers that small choices behind the wheel can have serious consequences.
“Even if you think it won't matter but it does. And just to be vigilant and practice safe driving habits and just being alert and aware, especially coming into the summer season with a lot of traffic on the roads, there's always these extra risks,” he says.
RCMP is also urging drivers to take extra caution.
“We are reminding motorists who are out on the highways, to reduce their speed, put the phone down, and to always wear a seatbelt. If you are planning on driving an off-road vehicle, wear a helmet at all times. If are drinking, don’t drive. With the increased traffic, we want everyone to arrive safely at their destination.”
With files from Shannon Dueck