As the month of May approaches, the RCMP is reminding Manitobans to drive, be careful, be safe

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During what is traditionally a busy weekend on highways and during Road Safety Week, Manitoba RCMP are reminding drivers about an additional power they've been given in 2018 that they may not be aware of: mandatory alcohol testing.

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The legislative change allows peace officers to conduct random roadside alcohol screenings without reasonable grounds to suspect impairment, and Mounties said Thursday that every driver stopped by traffic officers will be given a breathalyzer.

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“We have to use all the tools we have because telling people to drive sober is not going to have the effect we need,” said Insp. Manitoba RCMP Traffic Services Officer-in-Charge Michael Gagliardi told a news conference that impaired driving remains the leading criminal cause of death in Canada.

Victoria Day weekend can be a mess on the highways with people often involved in cottage or camping and alcohol.

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According to Gagliardi, the best way to avoid becoming a statistic is to not drink and drive, clutch, speed and pay attention.

“We see the deadly consequences of these choices. We tell families the deadly consequences of these choices. We see mothers, fathers, spouses, children – who, after being told the terrible news, accept that their lives will never be the same.”

Through the end of April, there were three confirmed or suspected impaired driving deaths and eight serious injuries and 414 impaired driving incidents.

In 2023, there were 20 deaths and 41 serious injuries out of 1,717 incidents, while in 2022 there were 19 deaths and 35 serious injuries out of 1,550 incidents, the RCMP said.

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“When you're pulled over and asked to take a roadside test, we're not going to inconvenience you, we're not going to target you, we're not going to show you our reputation. We are committed to keeping all Manitobans safe on the road,” Gagliardi said.

The RCMP also use automated license readers on many of their vehicles, which read multiple license plates and check them for known dangerous or prohibited drivers or stolen vehicles.

“Keep calm, hang on, slow down, pay attention. Choose to get home safely. If we all make that choice, there will be far fewer tragedies on Manitoba's roads.”

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