View From the Legislature

New statistics released by Manitoba Public Insurance last week indicate that the month of December is the second most dangerous month of the year for motorists with an average of 733 collision victims.

While this may be due primarily to a combination of winter weather and increased traffic as Manitobans go about preparing for and celebrating the Christmas season, it is too often also the result of drivers who are behind the wheel while impaired. This year alone there have been a record number of fatalities on our roads in Manitoba. More than 100 people have died in fatal crashes on our roads and highways and about 35% of those crashes involved alcohol.

RCMP are again conducting the annual Christmas Check Stop program checking to ensure drivers are safe to be on the road. The program is currently underway and will run through New Years Day. The first week of the program resulted in 36 individuals being charged with impaired driving or driving with more than the legal blood/alcohol reading of .08. An additional 10 drivers were charged with refusing to take a breathalyzer and 13 drivers were given a 24 hour alcohol-related roadside suspension.

One additional alarming statistic from the first week of the Check Stop program was the fact that of those charged with drunk driving, the average blood/alcohol reading was 0.162, more than twice the legal limit in Manitoba.

Each year there are tragic reminders of the dangers of drinking and driving and those dangers can be enhanced at this time of the year. It is not only the worst nightmare of a parent or spouse to have that knock on the door and be informed by a police officer that their loved one has been killed as a result of a drunk driver, it is the hardest thing for an officer to have to do as well.

Attitudes towards drinking and driving have changed greatly over the past decades but the statistics show that there is still a significant problem. Today there are both stricter laws and more options for those who will be in places where alcohol is served. Designated driver programs and ride programs are available in many areas. There is also increased awareness of the need for those hosting events to ensure that guests are served responsibly.

The best Christmas and holiday celebration is the one where everyone gets home safe to their families and where no police officer has to deliver heartbreaking news. Let’s keep our roads safe and all do our part to make sure everyone makes it home to their loved ones.