By Renee Lilley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Portage Graphic Leader A sharp rise in fatal traffic collisions across Manitoba has police urging motorists to exercise greater caution, with local statistics showing severe crashes continuing to impact the Portage la Prairie region. According to year-to-date data released by Manitoba Traffic Services, RCMP officers across the province responded to 52 fatal collisions resulting in 60 deaths as of Aug. 31. The figures represent a 27.5 per cent increase in fatal collisions and a 24 per cent increase in total fatalities compared to the RCMP\u2019s five-year average for the same period. Staff Sgt. Shelley Lepla of Manitoba Traffic Services described the upward trajectory as deeply concerning, noting that the month of August alone saw collisions claim eight lives across the province, including two… <\/p>\n
By Renee Lilley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Portage Graphic Leader A sharp rise in fatal traffic collisions across Manitoba has police urging motorists to exercise greater caution, with local statistics showing severe crashes continuing to impact the Portage la Prairie region. According to year-to-date data released by Manitoba Traffic Services, RCMP officers across the province responded to 52 fatal collisions resulting in 60 deaths as of Aug. 31. The figures represent a 27.5 per cent increase in fatal collisions and a 24 per cent increase in total fatalities compared to the RCMP\u2019s five-year average for the same period. Staff Sgt. Shelley Lepla of Manitoba Traffic Services described the upward trajectory as deeply concerning, noting that the month of August alone saw collisions claim eight lives across the province, including two... <\/p>\n