In 2024, 15 people died, and 118 were injured in crashes involving impaired driving in Manitoba.
From 2020 to 2025, 91 people died and more than 350 sustained injuries due to impaired driving.
In a 2022 roadside study completed by Manitoba Public Insurance, 3.6% of people tested positive for alcohol. That's a large increase from 2016, when 0.6% of people tested positive for alcohol.
With summer conditions here, Manitoban roadways are busier than they have been in the past. It's a great feeling to hit the open road with nice conditions.
And while it can be enjoyable, doing so under the influence of drugs and or alcohol continues to be a big no-no.
The message from the RCMP is simple: Be sober when you're behind the wheel.
"Penalties from impaired driving can result in immediate roadside suspension of driving privileges and seizure of your motor vehicle," said Darcy Pahl, sergeant in Traffic Services with the RCMP. "It could also result in driving restrictions involving the installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle."
One of the leading causes of fatalities in the province is driving while under the influence. Just as driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal, driving under the influence of Cannabis is as well.
If you use Cannabis, Pahl says, wait a minimum of 24 hours before getting behind the wheel.
If you're a heavy user, it builds up in your system and takes an entire 30 days to clear out of your system. This means you could be impaired and not even realize it.
The penalties for driving under the influence of Cannabis are the same as those for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Another big problem is driving fatigued. On average, one person is killed and five are seriously injured in fatigue-related crashes every year in Manitoba. In a survey by MPI, roughly 50% of the 800 respondents admitted to driving while sleepy.
When it comes to the RCMP, driving fatigued is equivalent to driving while impaired.
"Studies have shown that less than five hours of sleep doubles your motor vehicle collision risk," continued Pahl. "You might undergo shorts period of micro sleep lasting four to five seconds. In which case, you can travel the entire length of a football field before you realize what's happened."
It's recommended that you get seven to eight hours of sleep overnight before operating a vehicle.
Some warning signs that you're too tired to be behind the wheel include constant yawning, trouble keeping your eyes open, being unable to remember the last few kilometres driven, drifting, and wandering thoughts.
If you are driving tired and are caught, you can be charged with careless driving, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, or criminal negligence.
Summer driving in Manitoba can be a beautiful thing. It's also proven to be deadly at times.
Annually, speed is a factor in over 21% of fatal collisions. Approximately 13% of vehicles travel at excessive speeds on provincial highways between May and September.
You deserve to get to your destination safely. So slow down, avoid impairment, stay alert, and check conditions.
"The summer months are when people take their vacations and travel more," ended Pahl. "We have an increased presence on the road with check stops and other targeted enforcement."
Pahl also adds to always wear your seatbelt.
