A lot of accidents on the road happened because drivers are in a hurry, distracted or simply intentionally do not follow the rules and regulations. Every year, about 421,000 people are injured in crashes that have involved a driver who was distracted in some way. Over 78% of all distracted drivers are distracted because they have been texting while driving.
In 2018 that number is already much higher throughout Canada. Manitoba alone seeing a 25% increase in road fatalities. Most of those accidents happening due to drivers being distracted and over 78% of them were texting, just imagine that number.
To remind you, starting November 1st Manitoba’s new distracted driving laws came into effect.
According to Manitoba Public Insurance, a total of 237 drivers province-wide have had their licenses suspended for the minimum three-day period since the new penalties came into place.
“Distracted driving remains a very serious road safety issue for Manitobans,” said MPI’s Satvir Jatana Wednesday.
Unfortunately, a lot of those drivers are teenagers, who are not just irresponsible to their own vehicles and lives, but to other people’s health and lives as well. Some drivers just really don’t care about the rules and driving regulations, they do not care for their own safety and their passengers, friends and family members.
Drivers convicted of using a device while driving face a $672 fine, five demerits, and an immediate roadside suspension. The 237 distracted drivers include 149 within the city of Winnipeg, 21 in Brandon, and 67 throughout the rest of the province.
“Our officers regularly see distracted drivers cause collisions that result in serious injury and even death on roadways throughout the province,” said Scott Kolody, Manitoba RCMP’s commanding officer and president of the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police.
“These new, strong penalties send a very clear message that such driving behavior will not be tolerated.
So fellow Winnipeggers please don’t text and drive, keep our roads safe and easy to drive. Let’s all be responsible drivers and care for each other, so at the end of the day, we can all come back home to our loved ones.