Manitoba RCMP are stepping up traffic enforcement after a sharp increase in deadly collisions.

In an update released Friday, police reported 73 people had died in 65 collisions investigated by RCMP this year.

That’s 28 per cent higher than at the same point last year, and above the five-year average.

Twenty-five of those killed were under 30.

The warning follows recent crashes in The Pas and Dominion City that killed two 19-year-old men.

Police say impairment and speeding have contributed to fatal crashes, while missing seatbelts or helmets were also recorded in 23 deadly collisions.

RCMP are urging drivers to stay sober, slow down, buckle up and put their phones away.