Approximately 30 Citizens on Patrol Program groups operating in communities throughout Manitoba will be out on their respective roadways, promoting “Spotlight on Speed” Week which runs from May 1-6. During the week COPP volunteers will be operating speed reader boards – provided by Manitoba Public Insurance – to raise awareness of posted speed limits in their communities and as a reminder about the dangers of driving over the posted speed limit or too fast for road and weather conditions.
Data collected by participating COPP volunteers will also be shared with local law enforcement in these communities to help inform their speed enforcement efforts.
“COPP volunteers play a key role in helping keep their communities safe,” said Crown Services Minister Ron Schuler. “Such activities would not be possible without the work of these dedicated volunteers. These high visual, road-side activities are very effective in sending a road safety message to all motorists.”
Speeding claims about 21 lives yearly in Manitoba, in addition to 600 people injured in speed-related crashes.
“The purpose of “Spotlight on Speed” Week is to raise awareness about this high-risk driving behaviour and for drivers to self-evaluate and adjust accordingly,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Loss Prevention and Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance.
“Last year was the deadliest year on Manitoba highways in a decade and some of those crashes were speed related. The goal for 2017 is to make our roadways safer for everyone.”
Speeding is also the theme of the fourth UN Global Road Safety Week, which will be held May 8-14. Dozens of countries from around the world, including Canada, will focus on speed and what can be done to address this key risk factor for road traffic deaths and injuries.
Speed contributes to around one-third of all fatal road traffic crashes in high-income countries, and up to half in low- and middle-income countries, according to the UN Road Safety Collaboration.
COPP groups participating in “Spotlight on Speed” Week:
Petersfield, William Whyte, Portage la Prairie, East St. Paul, St. Clements, Neepawa, Riverbend, Ritchot, St. Ambroise, Russell, North Whiteshell, Sandpiper, Oakbank/Springfield, Flin Flon, West Shores, The Pas, Inkster North End, West St. Paul, Selkirk, Brandon, Pierson, Souris, Steinbach, Carberry, Gilbert Park and Beausejour.
Last year COPP volunteers contributed 14,000 patrol hours and almost 22,000 volunteer hours to the program. Their efforts continue to be instrumental in preventing crime and assisting local police agencies.
Manitobans interested in joining or learning more about the Citizens on Patrol Program can visit the organization’s website or call the provincial coordinator at 204-985-8849 or toll free at 1-866-326-7792.
