The Manitoba Driver, from Manitoba Public Insurance
October 2008

About 300 words
Winter driving – Take Action on Traction

Manitobans are being reminded of the importance of gearing up for winter in a new contest that highlights the importance of installing winter tires.

Called Take Action on Traction, the contest is sponsored by Manitoba Public Insurance and open to motorists 18 and older. Ten sets of winter tires are up for grabs, but you have to enter before the Oct. 31 deadline.

“This contest will help educate drivers that winter tires will significantly improve driver control and reduce braking distances, compared to all-season tires under winter road conditions,” says Clif Eden, Manager of Road Safety Programming for Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Some winter tires are designed for ice traction and others for snow conditions, but both offer drivers better cornering control and shorter braking distances because of their soft rubber compounds and tread designs,” Eden says.

Manitobans can enter on-line at www.mpi.mb.ca or complete an entry form available at any Manitoba Public Insurance location.  The forms will also be distributed through hockey game promotions with the Manitoba Moose, Brandon Wheat Kings, Flin Flon Bombers and Manitoba Junior Hockey League teams throughout October.

Draws for the ten sets of tires will be made after the Oct. 31 entry deadline.  Those who win can purchase four tires from a local tire dealer, including balancing and installation, up to a value of $1,000.

“It’s recommended that you replace all four tires and not just the powered wheels at the front or back,” Eden says. “If you don’t, you risk reduced control and stability, especially under icy conditions.”

While Eden encourages motorists to equip their vehicles with winter tires, he emphasizes that the driver’s attitude is just as important. “The research certainly supports winter tires over all-season tires, but the driver must always adjust their driving to the road and weather conditions by being more cautious and increasing distances from vehicles.

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© 2008 Manitoba Public Insurance

Downloadable high resolution images
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Look for this symbol when shopping for winter tires. Tires that have it meet specific winter traction performance requirements, and have been designed specifically for use in severe winter conditions