November 20, 2008

Snow tire winners announced

With the winter season now upon us, 10 lucky Manitobans will be able to experience the improved traction and control of snow tires, after each won a set from Manitoba Public Insurance.

Manitobans were able to enter the Take Action on Traction contest by going to the public auto insurer’s website and completing entry forms distributed at local hockey games. Several thousand Manitobans responded to the contest, which was designed to raise awareness of the many safety benefits associated with snow tires.

“Many collisions in the winter are directly related to the motorist being unable to stop, or going into an uncontrollable skid,” said Clif Eden, Manager of Road Safety Programming with Manitoba Public Insurance. “Snow tires will improve stopping distances and vehicle handling.”
 
The winners are:

Winnipeg, Interlake and Eastern Region

• P. Banash, Selkirk
• S. Deppendorf, Selkirk
• J. Letkeman, Winnipeg
• A. Brown, Winnipeg
• E. Shewchuk, Winnipeg

North and Parkland Region

• R. Dumais, Flin Flon
• I. Hunt, Swan River

Western, Central and Pembina Valley Region

• D. Folk, Brandon
• K. Veitch, Rivers
• L. Kolody, Brandon

Winter tires are made of soft compounds that remain flexible at lower temperatures, improving braking distance. Snow tires also have directional tread designs that help maintain good traction on snowy, wet and slush-covered roads.

“Research has shown that in severe winter weather snow tires can reduce stopping distances by up to 50 feet when braking from a speed of 50 kilometres per hour,” said Eden.

According to Manitoba Public Insurance claims data, the number of collision claims in the winter is nearly 50 per cent higher than in the spring and summer months.

- 30 -

Contact: