Manitoba RCMP Report 73 Road Deaths So Far in 2026, Up 28% From Last Year

Manitoba RCMP have responded to 65 fatal collisions that have killed 73 people so far this year, a 28 per cent increase from the same point last year, when 57 deaths had been recorded, police said in a release issued October 30 from Headingley.

According to the RCMP, this year's total is also 28 per cent above the five-year average. Twenty-five of the 73 people killed were under the age of 30.

Police said the rise has prompted a reminder for motorists to drive responsibly. The reminder follows collisions in the past week in Dominion City and The Pas in which two 19-year-old males died. In October alone, Manitoba RCMP have responded to eight collisions that killed eight people.

"The high number of fatal collisions that have occurred this year is deeply concerning," said Staff Sgt. Jon Greer, RCMP Traffic Services Enforcement Commander. "These traumatic events leave a lasting impact on the families and friends of the lost."

Greer added that the collisions also deeply affect the first responders, volunteer firefighters, paramedics and police who respond to them.

Contributing factors

Police said various factors have contributed to each collision, including:

• Impairment: alcohol and/or drug impairment is confirmed or suspected in 17 fatal collisions this year, with toxicology results still pending in 11 of those cases.
• Speed: vehicles going above the speed limit were cited as a contributing factor in 11 fatal collisions.
• Seatbelts and helmets: in 23 fatal collisions, at least one person was not wearing a seatbelt, or a helmet in collisions involving off-road vehicles.
• Distraction: precise data is hard to confirm, but police said handheld devices and other distractions remain a concern.

In total, 14 collisions that killed 18 people this year happened at intersections. Ten fatal collisions involved off-road vehicles such as ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes and snowmobiles, according to the RCMP.

More traffic enforcement ahead

In response, Manitoba RCMP said they will place an increased emphasis on traffic enforcement across the province over the coming weeks and months.

Police are urging drivers to stay sober, watch for motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians, be mindful of wildlife, stay within posted speed limits and keep their eyes off their cellphones.

"Motorists need to stay alert and follow the rules of the road at all times," said Greer. "Making smart decisions when behind the wheel will allow themselves, as well as others on the road, to get home safely."