The May long weekend typically means a significant increase in highway traffic, and that's why Manitoba Public Insurance is starting its RoadWatch initiative for the 18th summer, to coincide with the holiday.

MPI Spokesperson Brian Smiley says enhanced enforcement of drinking and driving laws is at the core of the initiative.

"we know that visible road checks are a very strong message to motorists out there -- they've told us that. The enforcement will begin this weekend, on Saturday, as I understand it. This week is Canada Road Safety Week, so that's one of the reasons we're trying to raise awareness about road safety, hoping to reduce fatalities and injuries."

Smiley points out several police departments are involved with RoadWatch.

"Including the RCMP, Brandon, Morden, Winkler, and a number of smaller agencies, so it's certainly going to be high visibility out there again, sending a string message to motorists that if the choose to drink and drive, they could be caught."

He adds says the last six years have been productive.

"1500 impaired drivers were taken off the road, thanks to the RoadWatch Initiative. And over that same period of time, which was 2010-15, a total of 375,000 vehicles were screened by participating law enforcement, so I think we would all agree that sends a very visible, and loud, message to motorists."