As May long nears, RCMP remind Manitobans to driver sober, stay safe

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Ahead of a traditionally busy weekend on the highways, and during Road Safety Week, Manitoba RCMP are reminding drivers of additional powers granted in 2018 that they might not be aware of: mandatory alcohol screening.

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A legislative change allows peace officers to conduct random roadside screenings for the presence of alcohol in the body without having to have reasonable grounds to suspect impairment, and the Mounties made it clear Thursday every driver pulled over by traffic services officers will be taking a breathalyzer.

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“We need to use all the tools we have because telling people to drive sober is just not having the impact we need,” Insp. Michael Gagliardi, officer in charge of Manitoba RCMP Traffic Services, said at a news conference, noting impaired driving continues to be the leading criminal cause of death in Canada.

The Victoria Day weekend can be mayhem on the highways, with people headed to and from the cottage or camping and alcohol often involved.

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Gagliardi said the best way to not become a statistic is to not drive when drinking, buckle up, don’t speed, and pay attention.

“We see deadly results of those choices. We tell families the deadly results of those choices. We see mothers, fathers, spouses, children — they get that look of recognition in their eyes that their lives will never be the same after we tell them the terrible news.”

Through the end of April, there have been three fatalities and eight serious injuries confirmed or believed to have involved impaired driving and 414 impaired driving occurrences.

There were 20 fatalities and 41 serious injuries from 1,717 occurrences in 2023, and 19 fatalities, 35 serious injuries from 1,550 occurrences in 2022, RCMP said.

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“Please know that when you are pulled over and asked to take a roadside test, we are not trying to inconvenience you, we are not targeting you, we are not showing you our authority. We are trying to keep all Manitobans safe on the road,” Gagliardi said.

RCMP also use automated licence place readers in many of its vehicles, which read multiple plates and check them for known high-risk or prohibited drivers, or stolen vehicles.

“Drive sober, buckle up, slow down, stay focused. Choose to get home safely. If we all make that choice, there will be a lot less tragedy on Manitoba roadways.”

Kking@postmedia.com

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