RCMP in Manitoba are pleading with drivers to be extra cautious on the highways over the Canada Day long weekend. Corporal Julie Courchaine says we have just come through a bad week for deadly accidents.

"It's been an absolutely terrible week. I think in the last eight days, there have been nine Manitobans who have lost their lives in motor vehicle collisions."

She urges motorists to stay focused when they get behind the wheel.

"People seem to get complacent and think that, I drive all the time and nothing is going to happen to me. We need to try and get away from that. Always remind ourselves, I need to pay attention, I need to always be looking and even doing extra things like being overly-cautious. We need to take it seriously and be careful and also remind the people around us, our family members, our friends, if we're in that vehicle with them, to pay attention."

Sergeant Paul Manaigre adds driving is a whole lot more complicated now than it used to be.

"With the amount of vehicles on the highways today compared to 20, 30 years ago, that margin of error for those mistakes is compounded. The results speak for themselves with the numbers that we've had for this week."

Manaigre also advises driver to expect the unexpected.

"Be aware that somebody in front of you or coming at you could be on a cell phone or distracted or impaired. You have to be prepared for all those circumstances."

Manaigre and Courchaine ask people to drive sober, wear a seatbelt and slow down. And they say put away your cell phone.