Fatal Crashes Rise Sharply in Manitoba, Claiming 48 Lives So Far This Year: RCMP
Manitoba RCMP is urging motorists and off-road vehicle users to act responsibly after a significant increase in deadly collisions during the first seven months of 2026.
With more people expected to travel on highways, local roads and recreational trails over the long weekend, police are reminding the public that safety must remain a priority.
RCMP Traffic Services Sgt. Ryan Landry said authorities understand that people want to enjoy the holiday, but they must avoid taking unnecessary risks.
Manitoba Records 48 Road Deaths in Seven Months
RCMP officers have attended 43 fatal collisions so far in 2026, resulting in 48 deaths.
That represents a 23 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2025, when 39 fatalities had been recorded. Police also said the current total is 34 per cent higher than the five-year average.
The recent increase has been particularly severe. Twenty-nine people have died in collisions over the past three months, including 10 deaths reported in July alone.
Landry described the figures as deeply concerning, noting that every fatal collision affects victims’ families, emergency workers and police officers who must inform loved ones of the deaths.
Figures Do Not Include All Manitoba Municipalities
The RCMP data only covers communities and areas under its jurisdiction.
Fatalities recorded by municipal police departments in cities such as Winnipeg, Brandon, Winkler and Morden are not included in the total.
CBC News requested updated collision figures from the Winnipeg Police Service, but that information had not yet been provided.
RCMP officials also did not have historical records available on Friday and could not confirm which year had the highest number of fatal collisions.
However, a CBC report published in 2016 said Manitoba RCMP had recorded 106 fatal crashes by December and estimated the total could reach 115 before the end of that year.
Impaired Driving Linked to Several Fatal Crashes
Landry said multiple factors may be contributing to the rise, but the number of fatal crashes involving suspected or confirmed impairment is especially troubling.
Drugs or alcohol have been confirmed or are suspected in 12 fatal collisions so far this year. Toxicology results are still pending in 10 of those cases.
For comparison, impairment was confirmed or suspected in 18 fatal crashes throughout all of 2025. There were 17 such cases in 2024, 18 in 2023 and 16 in 2022.
Landry warned that Manitoba could be heading toward a five-year high in fatal collisions involving suspected or confirmed impairment.
He said police remain concerned that some drivers are continuing to ignore repeated warnings about the dangers of impaired driving.
Off-Road Vehicle Deaths Raise Helmet Concerns
Five fatalities recorded this year involved off-road vehicles or dirt bikes.
According to the RCMP, helmets were not being worn in at least three of those deadly incidents.
Police are reminding riders to use proper protective equipment, follow trail rules and never operate a vehicle while impaired.
The sharp rise in fatal collisions across Manitoba has prompted renewed warnings from the RCMP ahead of the long weekend. With impaired driving, unsafe off-road vehicle use and a lack of helmets contributing to several deaths, police are urging everyone to make responsible decisions and help prevent further tragedies.
