The Manitoba government is reminding drivers to share the roads responsibly by exercising caution around motorcycles and bicycles, and by slowing down and moving over for tow truck operators, roadside assistance operators and emergency vehicles as part of Canada Road Safety Week.
“Spring is the start of more traffic returning to our streets, highways and roads,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor. “We want to remind all road users to drive safely and remain alert, especially when sharing the roads with motorcyclists and cyclists, and always slow down and move over when emergency vehicles and personnel are at work. All road users deserve to feel safe on our roadways.”
Canada Road Safety Week takes place May 12 to 18 with the goal of helping save lives and reduce injuries on Canada’s roads. The theme for this campaign is ‘Every Road. Every Day. Everyone.’ and emphasizes the shared responsibility of all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to adopt safe behaviours and help prevent injuries and save lives.
The Manitoba government continues to take action to improve road safety through legislation, including the recent amendments to the Highway Traffic Act, which came into force on Jan. 1, establishing clear rules for drivers when passing cyclists and providing tow truck operators with additional options to enhance their safety while working in traffic.
It is legislated that Manitoba drivers are required to leave at least one-metre of space when overtaking and passing a bicycle or power-assisted bicycle.
In addition to legislation, the Manitoba government continues to move forward with implementing Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Road Safety Strategy. This important initiative includes the establishment of a Road Safety Section, within Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Traffic Engineering Branch, to identify and implement road safety improvements across the highway network through fatal collision reviews, network safety screening, systemic safety planning and the development of a road safety action plan.
From May 12 to 14, Manitoba Motor Carrier Enforcement (MMCE) personnel will be inspecting commercial motor vehicles and drivers for compliance with vehicle, cargo and driver regulatory requirements as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s 72-hour inspection, enforcement and data-collection initiative, the minister noted. MMCE works to promote safe and sustainable truck and coach operations on Manitoba’s highways through roadside inspections, placing unsafe vehicles and drivers out of service until the dangerous conditions are remedied.
Improving road safety, including protecting the health and safety of road workers and crews, is a key focus of the Manitoba government, the minister noted, adding that by investing in critical infrastructure and working in partnership with industry and communities, progress is being made in reducing collisions and enhancing road safety on the provincial highway network.
For more information about road safety in the province, visit gov.mb.ca.
