The government of Manitoba introduced proposed changes to provincial laws that would provide stricter penalties to confront the dangerous and deadly issue of distracted driving, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced today. “Many drivers fail to understand the danger associated with distracted driving,” said Schuler.  “In Manitoba, using a hand-operated electronic device, such as a cellphone, while driving is illegal.  Despite this, there has been an unprecedented four-fold increase in the number of accidents involving distracted drivers between 2011 and 2016, with no decline in serious injuries or fatal collisions caused by distracted driving in Manitoba.” The Highway Traffic Act would be amended to create a tiered administrative licence suspension of three days for a first offence and seven days for a second and subsequent offence for prohibited use of a hand-operated electronic device while driving. Further, The Drivers and Vehicles Act would change to make careless driving a reportable offence, requiring a peace officer who lays a careless driving charge to notify the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.  The registrar would review the driver’s record to determine if driver improvement and control measures are necessary. “These stricter penalties for distracted driving are similar to those of impaired driving because the consequences are just as serious,” Schuler said.  “With a roadside licence suspension, we will address the immediate road safety risk and ensure the greatest deterrent impact on driver behaviour.” In 2016, distracted driving was the leading contributing factor in serious collisions at 29 per cent, and the third factor for fatalities at 27 per cent.  In Manitoba, using a hand-operated electronic device such as a cellphone while driving is prohibited, and convicted drivers face a $204 fine and a drop of five levels on the Driver Safety Rating scale. Police may charge drivers with using a hand-operated electronic device while driving or careless driving under The Highway Traffic Act.  Police use careless driving to address a variety of distractions such as personal grooming and handling pets where the distraction negatively affects driving behaviour.

On March 18, 2018 at approximately 05:30 hrs, police were dispatched to the 6300 block of Richmond Avenue East regarding a single vehicle accident.  Police located an adult female who was determined to be the driver of the vehicle.  The female was believed to be under the influence of alcohol and arrested.  The female was conveyed to the Brandon Police Service where she provided samples of her breath over the legal limit.  The female was subsequently charged with Impaired Driving and Drive Over .08.  She was released with a future court date.

Brandon Police Service Media Release Just before 3:00 AM Friday morning, a member on patrol observed a vehicle blow through the stop sign at 15th Street & Pacific Avenue, nearly losing control while sliding sideways, and almost colliding with the police vehicle. An attempt was made to stop the suspected impaired driver, who refused to stop, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit left the city, and continued in a generally eastward direction until the driver finally stopped near PR #464 and the TransCanada Highway. The driver showed signs of impairment and was returned to the Police Service where he provided breath samples. The results showed that the driver was in fact, under the legal limit. The 42 year old male, was lodged at Brandon Correctional Centre for Court this morning and is facing criminal charges of flight from police and dangerous driving.

A two vehicle collision occurred between a red pickup truck and a small grey car at the intersection of 18th St and Victoria Ave Thursday evening. A light standard on the north side of 18th St was struck and came crashing to the ground. Traffic was very heavy while emergency crews were working on scene, which caused large backups in traffic in all directions. While emergency personnel were on scene of this crash, another crash at 22nd St and Victoria occurred a few blocks away. BFES, BPS and Accel Towing attended the scene.  Photos by Liam Pattison Photography.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Manitoba Facebook Page RCMP Rossburn arrest student found with replica pistol On March, 14, 2018, at approximately 1:00 pm., Rossburn RCMP were made aware of a social media post showing a student at Rossburn Collegiate in possession of a handgun. As a precaution, the school was placed in lock-down. Once the student was identified, RCMP quickly located the suspect and arrested him near the school. Upon searching the suspect, RCMP recovered a CO2 powered replica pistol with ammunition. No one was harmed during the incident and no other students are being investigated. Upon the suspect's arrest, the lock-down was lifted. Randy Jordan Oudie, 19, of Dauphin, MB has been charged with Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purposes and Carry Concealed Weapon. He has been remanded into custody. The investigation is ongoing.