Driver and Vehicle Licensing (DVL) is improving a program aimed at keeping Manitoba roads safer through early identification and awareness of changes in driving behaviour.

The changes to the Driver Improvement and Control Program will ensure drivers are alerted to unsafe driving behaviour earlier so they can take action to avoid future driving infractions and avoid other interventions.

“The safety of individual drivers – and the safety of all Manitobans – remains our primary concern,” said Brock MacMartin, Director of DVL. “Our aim is to help drivers correct their driving habits before they become more serious.

“The first step in addressing any problem is becoming aware of it and recognizing the potential impact if it is not corrected. This program provides an early intervention to raise awareness.”

The driver improvement initiative builds on DVL’s existing driver monitoring program. In the past the program was based on safety demerit points. DVL is now considering the frequency and seriousness of a driver’s collisions, traffic convictions and 24-hour alcohol-related suspensions to determine when intervention is appropriate.

“Statistically, any driver involved in an at risk behaviour -- whether it is getting a speeding ticket or being involved in a collision -- is at greater risk of being involved again,” MacMartin said. “Previously, the program masked changes in driving behaviour because a driver who had earned five merits over the years could be involved in at least eight two-demerit-point incidents before being identified as at risk.”

For novice drivers, infractions can result in a range of interventions. Drivers will receive a warning letter for the less serious infractions. More serious infractions can require driving courses and a novice driver hearing, which could lead to counseling, course referrals, driver examinations, licence restrictions, suspensions or a longer term within a Graduated Driver Licensing stage. Novice drivers less than 25 years of age will be required to complete the Novice Driver Course delivered by the Manitoba Safety Council. Novice drivers 25 years of age and over would be required to take a defensive driving course.

Experienced drivers, depending on their driving record, may receive advisory and warning letters. If driving behaviour continues to deteriorate,interventions can escalate to course requirements or hearings that require drivers to demonstrate why they should maintain their licences.

The merit/demerit point system will remain intact for Manitoba Public Insurance premium surcharge and discount programs.

“Through earlier intervention, we aim to help drivers avoid both the human and economic consequences of poor driving,” MacMartin said. “This program will provide a much more effective way of identifying these problems at an earlier stage allowing people to make adjustments and improve their safety.”

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Contact:
Brian Smiley
Media Relations
Manitoba Public Insurance
(204) 985-7300 or 1-888-554-9549 (toll-free in Manitoba)