A needlessly rising statistic in Manitoba motor vehicles accidents is concerning for RCMP.

In the first ten months of 2017, the Manitoba RCMP say they have responded to numerous fatal motor vehicle collisions where the victim was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.

Sgt Paul Manaigre from the RCMP says that in 52% of deaths in all fatal collisions in Manitoba from January 1, 2017, to November 2, 2017, it's been determined that seatbelts were not in use.

“It is tragic that we are seeing such a high number of fatalities due to the lack of seatbelt use,” Manaigre says.

“This year, we have already seen 33 people lose their lives because they weren’t wearing a seatbelt. Vehicles are designed and engineered with a life space that will protect occupants in a collision, but it only works if you are wearing your seatbelt.”

As to why people do not wear the seatbelt, Manaigre can't say for certain as there are no polls or data. However, he says that people often simply get complacent, or if they're "going on short, quick, little trips they don't want to put it on."

The Manitoba RCMP is reminding the public to always wear their seatbelts, no matter the speed limit or distance travelled.

"We've got two months left in 2017 . . . and with the change in weather obviously comes deteriorating road conditions. Having a seatbelt is probably more important than ever with these types of situations, where collisions are now even more possible. So we're just trying to get people to put them on, and hopefully, save lives."