As Manitobans gear up for the Terry Fox Day long weekend, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has released its Top 5 speed hot spots, shedding light on high-risk and potentially fatal driving behavior.
The data, obtained through an observational study in 2022, analyzed over 2.3 million vehicles across more than 50 urban and rural locations throughout the province over a five-month period. The primary goal was to understand the prevalence of speeding on Manitoba’s roadways.
The Top 5 speed hot spots are areas where the highest proportion of drivers were observed exceeding the speed limits. The study’s findings reveal the significant impact of speed on road safety, as it remains a leading contributor to nearly 20 percent of all fatal collisions annually in the province.
| Rank | Location | Municipality | Posted speed limit (km/h) |
% of total vehicles observed travelling more than 10 km/h over the posted speed limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eastbound Highway 1 West of Elie |
Cartier | 100 | 38.1% |
| 2 |
Southbound Main St South of Young Avenue |
Selkirk | 50 | 30.0% |
| 3 |
Eastbound Inkster Blvd East of Bergen Cutoff Road |
Rosser | 70 | 27.2% |
| 4 |
Northbound Highway 6 North of Grand Rapids |
Grand Rapids | 100 | 18.3% |
| 5 |
Eastbound Maryland Ave Between Cornell Bay |
Brandon | 30 (school zone) | 16.7% |
According to Satvir Jatana, MPI’s Chief Customer Officer, speed is a critical factor in accidents, and drivers must exercise caution and responsible driving habits. As the long weekend approaches, MPI encourages everyone to make the conscious choice to slow down and drive according to the road and weather conditions, ensuring a safe trip for themselves and others.
The study also revealed that highways are particularly prone to dangerous speeding behaviors, with nearly 100,000 vehicles observed traveling more than 10 km/h over the posted speed limit. MPI aims to use these research results to focus its efforts on speed prevention in regions with the highest rates of speeding, with the ultimate goal of making Manitoba’s roads safer for all motorists.
To assist drivers in managing their speed during the long weekend and beyond, MPI has provided essential road safety tips:
- Plan your route and allow sufficient time to reach your destination safely.
- Utilize cruise control to avoid unintentionally exceeding the speed limit.
- Maintain a safe following distance, typically four seconds in ideal driving conditions.
- When passing by a roadside emergency vehicle, remember to move to the farthest lane from the scene whenever possible. Additionally, drivers must slow down to 40 km/h when the posted speed limit is below 79 km/h or 60 km/h when the posted speed limit is 80 km/h or higher.
By adhering to these safety measures, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone on Manitoba’s roads.
As we approach one of the last long weekends of summer, let us all be mindful of our driving habits and prioritize the safety of ourselves and others. Let this data from MPI serve as a reminder to slow down, drive responsibly, and enjoy the long weekend responsibly.
