RCMP in southeastern Manitoba are concerned about the increase in deadly collisions on our roads. The Steinbach detachment attended to four fatal collisions in 2016 and the St. Pierre detachment was called to six fatal collisions. The ten fatal collisions were double the number in 2015.

Steinbach Staff Sergeant Harold Laninga says these and other statistics cause him a lot of concern about what's happening on our roads.

"In addition to the four fatal accidents we had, we also attended 306 non-fatal accidents so we're dealing with accidents almost on a daily basis. 306 is a very high number. We also had 57 impaired drivers charged last year along with 20 roadside suspensions. We issued 157 intersection-related tickets, seatbelt tickets - there were 124 issued in 2016 and speeding, which is consistently a huge factor in fatal motor vehicle accidents and accidents period, we issued 811 speeding tickets last year."

But Laninga says it takes more than enforcement to improve road safety and he calls on drivers to pay attention to the rules when they are behind the wheel.

"Wearing seatbelts, not speeding, obviously not drinking and driving, stopping at intersections, which is continual thorn in my side as well as distracted driving, I don't think it's going to

Speed limit enforcement is one tool RCMP are using to improve road safety.surprise people that those are the issues that are causing us problems and those are the ones that, if we all correct, are going to make our roads safer."

He adds police will do their part to make sure drivers are following the rules of the road.

"I know people don't always like the enforcement aspect of it but, when we're dealing with four fatalities, we're dealing with 306 motor vehicle accidents, we've got to do something. I think most people are going to agree with us on that, the enforcement aspect."

Province-wide, 2016 was the deadliest year in the last decade on Manitoba roadways. Manitoba Public Insurance reports, based on preliminary data, in 2016 there were 101 fatal collisions on public roadways in Manitoba which resulted in the deaths of 112 people. These numbers contrast with 69 collisions and 78 fatalities in 2015. And, according to Manitoba Public Insurance data, another 19 Manitobans lost their lives in snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle collisions in 2016. It says, although the full analysis of motor vehicle fatalities is not yet complete, preliminary data shows an alarming increase in impaired driving, distracted driving, speed, and not wearing seatbelts as contributing factors in the fatal collisions recorded.

Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development and Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance, says drivers have to do a better job behind the wheel.

"To stay safe on our roads and not put other road users at risk, all drivers need to think about road safety every time they get behind the wheel. Buckling up all the time, driving to road and weather conditions, not driving when impaired by alcohol or drugs, or while distracted - these are all simple reminders that can help to prevent being involved in a collision. They can also literally make the difference between life and death."