Manitoba RCMP hope they won't see a fatal crash this weekend — but stats suggest they will

Manitoba RCMP officers are urging drivers to be safe behind the wheel heading into the long weekend after five straight years of highway fatalities.

"Every May long weekend, for the past five years, someone has died, and whether that's one, or four, or 10, it's too many," said Tara Seel, a media relations officer for the RCMP.

"This is a weekend that people typically are heading out to have some fun and enjoy the beginning of a Manitoba summer and you know, to have tragedy strike when it's preventable is too bad."

Anecdotally, Seel said May long weekend is a busy time on provincial highways. Mounties ramp up enforcement for the week leading up to and including the holiday as part of Canada Road Safety Week, which runs from May 16-22 this year.

During that blitz last year, RCMP stopped nearly 500 drivers for speeding and 25 drivers for impaired driving, and two people died in highway collisions.

• What's open and closed in Winnipeg this Victoria Day long weekend
• Top 5 things to do in Winnipeg this long weekend (May 15-18)

The weekend's track record for dangerous driving has some officers worried they'll see more fatalities this year, Seel said.

"For the last five years on May long weekend, someone's died, and that means that an RCMP officer has had to go to that scene, and that means an RCMP officer has had to knock on the door of a family," Seel said.

"So I think it would be disingenuous to say that there isn't some concern, heading into the long weekend, that that's going to happen."

Seel said police are focusing enforcement on the "four main killers": impaired driving, aggressive driving — including speeding — lack of seatbelt use and distracted driving, including phone use.

Police will also be expanding their presence on gravel and country roads, she added.

Plan ahead to avoid impaired driving

"We've done all these things in the hopes that we reach those people that might be making bad decisions and might choose to engage in these high-risk behaviours that could result in a fatality," she said.

"Of course there is some worry that we're going to get some bad news this weekend. But we're always hopeful, and we're always working towards educating people that they have the ability to change that."

If your long weekend plans include booze, Seel said they should also include preparation for how to get home or a place to crash if you can't.

Last year, more than 147,000 customers passed through Manitoba Liquor Marts and purchased more than 510,000 products over May long weekend, according to a spokesperson for Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. Nearly half of those sales were on the Friday.

"We definitely don't discourage people having a good time, we just want everyone to do so safely, and ultimately we want everyone to get home to their loved ones," Seel said.

"That involves making smart choices and, namely, plan ahead or have a designated driver."

Tips for safe driving from the Canada Safety Council

Beyond observing the rules of the road, Raynald Marchand, the general manager of Canada Safety Council, said there are a few road-trip essentials drivers should be thinking about if they're getting away for the weekend.

1. Resist the urge to look at your phone

If you're tempted to glance at your phone behind the wheel, Marchand recommended putting your devices on silent and somewhere out of reach, like in the glove compartment. If you want to got the extra mile, he said apps are available for iPhones and Android phones that will answer incoming texts and phone calls with a message that you're on the road.

2. Give equipment a once-over

Before hitting the road for a long drive, Marchand said it's important to make sure your vehicle is in ship-shape, including topping up any fluid that needs restocking and securing any loose items you're bringing along.

"If you have a trunk, use it," Marchand said. If that's not the case, he recommended a net to keep things from moving around or becoming projectiles in the event of a crash.

The same goes for your trailer, especially if it sat outside all winter. Look for rust and make sure the wheels are still ready to roll.

3. Be prepared and know your limits

Ahead of your trip, make sure you're properly rested, Marchand said. You should also grab games or distractions to keep any kids you've got in tow happy if they're liable to get antsy, plus snacks and water for everyone, including pets.

You should take that well-rested philosophy on the road with you, Marchand added. He stressed the need for frequent breaks — at least every couple hours — especially if you're not used to driving for long periods of time. If you have another driver, swap often to stay fresh.

4. Keep an eye out

Summertime brings out cyclists, motorcycles and more pedestrians, Marchand said, so drivers should be extra vigilant for vulnerable occupants on the roads.

"Many of our pedestrians do not wear any bright clothing in the evenings or in the night and they're very difficult to see. As a driver, make sure you look for them. Make sure you see them," he said.

"Some pedestrians may be looking at their phone as they cross the street, same for cyclists, so you want to compensate for their errors."

Don't assume pedestrians will see you and act accordingly, he added. About 40 per cent of fatally injured pedestrians are impaired, he said, and another 40 per cent are seniors who might have problems with seeing or hearing.