Road fatalities in Manitoba have spiked about 42% since September 1, 2015, compared to the average for that same period last year.

A total of 34 people have been killed in vehicle collisions, compared to an average of 24 fatalities in previous years.

MPI Spokesman Brian Smiley explains some of the factors contributing to the increase.

"We know that some drivers continue to exhibit high risk driving behaviour and again the message that we're sending out is that for folks to remember, it takes one second to do your seatbelt. Put down that cell phone when you're driving, let it go to voicemail. Don't answer texts while you're driving. Bad habits can unfortunately have some very tragic outcomes."

Smiley adds, the vehicle fatalities that have occurred since September make up for 50% of all road deaths in 2015.