LINCOLN, N.B. -- RCMP in New Brunswick say they’re deeply concerned about a sharp rise in the number of fatal collisions in the province, which have already more than doubled since last year.
RCMP say the numbers are alarming. Since January, 20 people have died while operating vehicles, snowmobiles, or ATVs in the province. That’s 20 collision-related deaths in just three and a half months - compared to 20 deaths, total, from 2013 to 2015.
The 20 deaths are a result of 17 accidents across the province. At 11, the majority of those accidents were motor vehicle collisions, but there was also one motorcycle accident, one deadly ATV accident, and two snowmobile fatalities. Two pedestrians were also struck and killed.
RCMP say they can’t point to one single reason that explains the increase over the past couple months, but did say that many of these accidents were preventable.
“We found that the main causes of these crashes have been people not wearing their seatbelts, and impaired driving,” said Cst. Jullie Rogers-Marsh. “Some cases of excessive speed and dangerous driving were mostly the concern.”
RCMP say the numbers are incredibly concerning – and very tragic.
“It can be difficult for members to attend these scenes and deal with that, and it’s hard to provide the next of kin notices to family members, as well.”
RCMP are still investigating some of the accidents, but hope that by raising awareness of the tragic start to the year, drivers will think twice and arrive safely at their destinations.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Laura Brown.
