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If saving lives and keeping insurance premiums low aren’t good enough reasons to drive safely, Manitobans now have another motive to alter their driving behaviour: record-high fuel prices.
Every Manitoban, through their driving behaviour, plays a part in keeping the cost of auto insurance down. Safer driving means fewer crashes, reducing claims costs and the premiums we all pay.
Now, the recent increase at the pump gives more incentive for all drivers to slow down and exercise safe driving habits. The latest gas hike means the typical Manitoba family with two vehicles will spend between $3,000 and $4,500 this year on gasoline if they drive 24,000 kilometres.
Lou Gervino, manager of Driver Education and Improvement with Manitoba Public Insurance, says motorists could save themselves several hundreds of dollars in gasoline costs by making minor adjustments to their driving habits. “Racing to a stop sign or red light and then braking at the last minute dramatically increases fuel consumption,’’ he said. “And aggressive driving in city traffic saves very little time but increases fuel consumption considerably.
“Safe driving not only makes common sense but makes economic sense as well. By driving less aggressively, consumers can not only save a life by reducing crashes but save a buck too.”
The biggest factor in how far you can stretch a litre of gas rests in the type of vehicle you drive. And, as most Manitobans are aware, a properly tuned engine can decrease fuel consumption by up to 50 per cent and ensuring your air filters are clean can improve efficiency by 10 per cent. But many motorists don’t know that the way they drive is also major contributor to poor fuel economy.
It’s been shown that aggressive driving habits – such as “jackrabbit” starts – can increase fuel consumption by up to 40 per cent. Speeding can increase fuel consumption by 20 per cent. Fuel efficiency can be improved by accelerating smoothly and avoiding speeding, Gervino said. Reducing a vehicle’s speed from 100 km/h to 90 km/h increases fuel economy by about 10 per cent.
Slowing down saves lives, too. About 27 per cent of the drivers involved in at-fault fatal crashes had been speeding or exhibited aggressive driving behaviour.
Last year, the 13,000 students enrolled in the Manitoba Public Insurance Driver Education program received a special module that deals with improving fuel consumption through driver behaviour.
Backgrounder
Safe driving not only keeps insurance rates stable by reducing crashes, it also protects Manitobans from injuries. Now, with prices increasing at the pump, driving safely can also help you stretch your gas dollar. Here’s how:
| Problem |
Impact |
Solution |
| Jack-rabbit starts |
Can increase fuel consumption by 33% |
Accelerate slowly and smoothly getting into high gear as quickly as possible |
| Tire pressure too low |
Increases wear and increases fuel consumption by 2% or 3% |
Always use the “maximum load” tire pressure indicated in your owner’s manual |
| Aggressive driving style |
Increases fuel consumption by 10% to 12% on the highway and 5% in the city |
Don’t approach traffic lights at high speed
Watch the road ahead and anticipate problems, improves control
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| Failure to utilize energy-aware driving style |
Can increase fuel consumption by 13% |
Maintain sufficient distance between you and the next vehicle allowing you to accelerate and brake more smoothly
On curves, reduce speed and accelerate smoothly when you are half way through the curve. Late heavy breaking before the curve and rapid acceleration increases fuel consumption
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| Hard stops |
Can increase fuel consumption by 10% |
Read the road – when approaching a traffic light, look ahead and coast if it is likely you are going to have to stop |
| Speeding |
Increasing your speed from 90 km/h to 120 km/h will boost fuel consumption by about 20% |
Drive the speed limit
Use cruise control on the highway to keep your speed constant
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| Car clutter |
An extra 48 kg (100 lbs) can increase your fuel bill by 2% |
Remove unnecessary items inside the vehicle and in the trunk |
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Contact:
Brian Smiley
Media Relations
Manitoba Public Insurance
(204) 985-7300 or 1-888-554-9549 (toll-free in Manitoba)
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