Number of annual fatal Manitoba highway crashes doubles in 2016

Highway fatalities have doubled this year compared to last year, Manitoba RCMP say.

A total of 43 people have died in crashes already this year, and Sgt. Mark Hume said alcohol and a lack of seatbelts continue to be big issues on Manitoba roadways.

Hume said that while seatbelt use is normally quite high on average, for the small percentage of those who don't buckle up and get in accidents, the consequences can be dire.

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"Our seatbelt compliance in most of the province is in the high 90 per cent. In the west here in my area, it's about 98 per cent seatbelt use. However, that two per cent that don't wear it can still be catastrophic," Hume said.

He wants drivers to be extra cautious on Canada Day long weekend.

"Big thing is slow down, drive proper speeds, put the cellphones away, don't drink and drive," he said. "People need to pay attention to driving."

Winnipeg drivers that are staying in the city this weekend should also be on their toes this weekend, Winnipeg police say.