The Manitoba RCMP 2013 Holiday Checkstop Program kicked off last week and is underway until Jan. 1.
The high-visibility campaign will focus on the detection of high-risk drivers, including drivers who are impaired, not wearing a seatbelt, speeding or texting on a cell phone.
“It is all about choices when you get behind the wheel,” said Assistant Commissioner Kevin Brosseau, Commanding Officer of RCMP “D” Division (Manitoba). “You have to make the choice to drive sober, focus on the road and obey the speed limit. We ask all motorists to make the smart choice so that everyone can get home safely.”
As of Dec. 3, there had been 77 fatal crashes resulting in 90 deaths in Manitoba RCMP jurisdiction in 2013. Twenty-seven of the 90 deaths were confirmed to be attributed to impaired driving.
All RCMP detachments and traffic units in Manitoba will be taking part in the campaign through extra checkstops and patrols.
During last year’s campaign, Manitoba RCMP members checked more than 17,000 vehicles, and charged 141 people with Criminal Code impaired driving offences during the holiday season.
– RCMP “D” Division
