Watch your speeds

Manitoba Public Insurance is partnering with community groups across the province today to raise awareness about speeding.

A total of 19 groups in 14 Manitoba communities, including the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry campus, will be utilizing free SpeedWatch display boards throughout the afternoon – including several in school zones, hence the U of M’s participation – to provide a visual reminder to motorists to slow down.

Drivers are reminded to be aware of their speed at all times. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on all roads on campus is 30km/hr.

MPI’s SpeedWatch display boards have monitored over 77,000 vehicles in Manitoba so far this year. Forty per cent of those cars were speeding. In 2011, 37 deaths and 516 injuries on Manitoba roadways were directly attributed to speeding drivers.

The SpeedWatch Program is a joint operation between the University of Manitoba Security Services Department and Manitoba Public Insurance.  The Program is designed to educate drivers on their driving habits and to reiterate the legal driving speeds on Campus.  The Program often runs during the months of September and October during the morning and evening hours.

In addition to the Speedwatch Program, Security Services also conducts a Checkstop Program in cooperation with the Winnipeg Police Service.  The Checkstop program runs throughout the year.

Drive safe. It’s not a race.