MPI urges caution following rash of traffic fatalities

Nine Manitobans have been killed in traffic accidents over a five-week span, prompting Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) to remind drivers to practice road safety over the holiday season.”The number of deaths over this small period of time is very concerning from a safety perspective,” said Ted Hlynsky, MPI’s vice president of claims control and safety operations. “Whether it’s icy roads, blowing snow or driving behaviour, motorists are encouraged to self-evaluate their driving behaviours and hopefully make the necessary changes.”MPI claims data indicates the Christmas holiday period is the second-worst holiday period for road fatalities. Over the last five years, a total of eight Manitobans have been killed and 349 people injured on the roadways during the holiday period.Roughly 30% of all road fatalities and injuries in Manitoba are the result of alcohol, while speed-related incidents account for another 25% of fatalities.