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Impaired driving accounted for close to half of the deaths on Manitoba roadways last year, according to Manitoba Public Insurance.

In total, 71 people were killed in auto-related crashes in 2018, with 42 per cent of those deaths attributed to impaired (alcohol or drugs) driving. Speed was a contributing factor in 17 per cent of 2018 deaths, while 28 per cent of deaths were due to occupants in the vehicle not wearing a seatbelt.

“Families, friends, acquaintances and work colleagues are all affected by these deaths,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance. “Our goal remains to Save the 100 on our roadways. But everyone needs to do their part. High-risk driving behaviours are dangerous to everyone on the roads.

“We’re putting out the call to make 2019 one of the safest years on our roads. Our Corporation remains committed to reducing injuries and deaths on our roads. This can be accomplished by public awareness, education, partnerships with law enforcement agencies and drivers changing their behaviours.”

The 2018 data is still being analyzed, consequently, distracted driving is not yet listed as a contributing factor. That information will be released later this year, explained Jatana.

Data of note:

• In 2018, there were 66 fatal crashes. This count is 16 per cent lower than the average crash count for the previous 10-years (79 in 2008-2017).
• In 2018, there were 71 people killed. This count is 19 per cent below the previous 10-year average (88 people killed on average each year from 2008-2017).
• In the first three months of 2018, the number of people killed (18) was 38 per cent higher than the average over the previous 10 years (13 average from 2008 to 2017). This increase was offset by the last six months of 2018 with the number of people killed being 23 per cent lower than the average in the third quarter and 48 per cent lower in the last quarter.

Manitoba Public Insurance’s fatality counts will differ slightly from police agencies, explained Jatana. “Our defining parameters capture deaths on public roadways only,” she said. “The public roadway count also does not include deaths related to all-terrain vehicles.”

Manitoba Public Insurance reported net income of $87.4 million for the first nine months of its fiscal year ending November 30, 2018 – an increase of $26.1 million over the same time period last year. This includes net income from the Basic insurance line of business of $42.3 million in the first nine months of the 2018/19 fiscal year.

“Total earned revenues for the first nine months rose by $65.8 million from the same period last year, driven mainly by higher motor vehicle premium revenue resulting from an increase in the number of motor vehicles insured, the value of these vehicles, and an overall 2.6 per cent increase in Basic insurance rates ordered by the Public Utilities Board for the 2018/19 insurance year,” said Mark Giesbrecht, vice-president, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“While net claims incurred are down $28.6 million year over year; when excluding the impact of changing interest rates which is largely offset in investment income through the Corporation’s asset-liability matching program, net claims have risen $13.3 million when compared to the first nine months of the 2017/18 fiscal year. This increase in claims of $13.3 million is split evenly between physical damage claims and bodily injury claim costs,” added Giesbrecht.

All Manitobans benefit from the Corporation’s Personal Injury Protection Plan (PIPP) which compensates those injured in an automobile accident, no matter who is at fault. “When a Manitoba resident is injured in a car accident, actuarially determined reserves are established to ensure claimants will receive full value of the benefits they are entitled to, when those obligations come due,” said Giesbrecht.

Manitobans continue to pay among the lowest auto insurance premiums in all of Canada. In December, the PUB approved an overall increase of 1.8 per cent in Basic insurance premiums for the 2019/20 insurance year.

It’s estimated that auto insurance fraud costs every Manitoba Public Insurance ratepayer about $50 a year for an overall impact of $50 million.

In order to raise awareness about the costs related to auto insurance fraud, Manitoba Public Insurance releases its annual top five fraud list. The list is compiled based on the unique circumstances of each fraud, financial savings to MPI ratepayer, and investigative excellence in unearthing the fraud. In addition, next month Manitoba Public Insurance will be launching a new public awareness campaign to continue raising awareness about the cost of auto insurance fraud and what Manitobans can do to help keep these costs in check.

Anyone with information about auto insurance fraud is encouraged to call the Manitoba Public Insurance TIPS Line: 204-985-8477 or toll-free 1-877-985-8477. All calls are anonymous.

Suspicious claims are handled by Manitoba Public Insurance’s Special Investigation Unit. As of the end of this November, claims savings are more than $10 million with the SIU closing 1,600 investigations.

No. 1: “Comic Con Job”

A devout fan of Comic Con, the 25-year-old woman was observed walking around Winnipeg’s Convention Centre for six hours, enjoying her favourite superheroes, wizards, spaceships, and zombies. An investigator also observed the woman going on numerous shopping trips and driving the two-hour round trip from her rural home to Winnipeg.

Just one problem: the woman was collecting income replacement payments after stating she was unable to work due to injuries from a motor vehicle collision. She told her MPI case manager she could only walk a maximum of 15 minutes before getting dizzy and was unable to drive for long periods of time. After receiving information via the Tips Line, an investigation was opened.

With all the conclusive evidence in hand, Manitoba Public Insurance terminated the woman’s income replacement payments and demanded repayment of $34,000 in benefits already paid out.

No. 2: “Polite Arsonist”

The registered owner opened a theft claim, telling her MPI adjuster she had given her car to her 22-year-old son, who reported the keys were stolen while he was attending a house party. The truth would become evident days later thanks to a number of witnesses, who had quite the story to share with police and MPI investigators.

One witness stated that while driving down a road in rural Manitoba around 7 a.m., he was shocked to see a man deliberately light a fire within his vehicle which was parked in a ditch.

As the vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames, the witness stopped and asked if the man was okay. The young man replied, “Yes, thanks. And have a nice day,” before running off into the bush. The witness contacted RCMP.

The investigation would also uncover that the same vehicle had been involved in a hit-and-run collision the previous evening in Winnipeg. After being awoken by the loud crash, a neighbour quickly attended to the crash site where he came upon a young man who told the neighbour “not to speak to police.”

The man, who appeared highly intoxicated, then quickly drove away in a Dodge Nitro ─ the same vehicle which was burned hours later in the rural ditch.

Police showed photos of several individuals to the witnesses, who were able to conclusively identify the driver. With the evidence in hand the claim was denied for false statement, resulting in a savings of $57,000 to Manitoba Public Insurance ratepayers.

No. 3: “Breakfast Blunder!”

The registered owner of the vehicle opened a total theft claim with her MPI adjuster after police found her vehicle badly damaged. She reported she had given her vehicle to her son, who told MPI staff he had gone for breakfast with his brother at a downtown hotel. The son, 45, claimed that after breakfast he went to the washroom while his brother also left their table to play VLTs.

The son presumed an opportunistic thief must have taken the vehicle keys out of his unattended sweater which had been left on a chair.

The man’s story quickly unravelled when hotel staff confirmed the restaurant hadn’t served breakfast in a number of years and the brother stated he hadn’t seen his brother in over nine months.

MPI subsequently filed a Statement of Claim for repayment of the $22,800 already paid.

No. 4: “Not So Jolly Christmas Party”

The Winnipeg man told his adjuster that while he and his girlfriend were attending a Christmas party, someone stole his vehicle from a parking lot. He confirmed that he was missing a key. The man’s Dodge Journey was recovered not far from the man’s residence ─ badly damaged after crashing into a tree.

An investigation was launched after several suspicious circumstances came to light. Investigators would learn the man and his girlfriend did return home from the party, with the male appearing highly intoxicated and agitated. Shortly after arriving home the 22-year-old vehicle owner was seen driving off in his vehicle.

When presented with all the facts the vehicle owner withdrew their claim. Savings to Manitoba Public Insurance ratepayers: $22,600.

No. 5: “Vehicle Technology Tells All”

Thanks to an anonymous call to MPI’s Tips Line, Autopac ratepayers were saved nearly $40,000.

The vehicle owner opened a claim after his 2014 Nissan Titan was badly damaged after crashing into a ditch in rural Manitoba. The man claimed that he was driving at the time of the crash. However, due to tips/information provided, investigators believed the man’s wife was actually driving and was heavily intoxicated at the time of the crash. However, police were unable to place her at the crash.

The vehicle owner was told that the vehicle’s onboard Crash Data Recorder had been removed and staff with MPI’s Training and Research Unit were going to download the data which would confirm occupants’ weight in the front seat at the time of the crash. The man then withdrew his claim.

With the holiday season now upon us, Manitobans are reminded impaired driving is not exclusive to over-use of alcohol. Impairment by drugs also impacts concentration, reaction time and driving ability – an issue now magnified by the legalization of non-medical cannabis use in Canada.

“Over-consumption of cannabis can have the same deadly and destructive consequences as alcohol,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance. “Drug-impaired driving can also result from the use of illicit, prescription and even some over-the-counter medications.”

As at the end of November 2018, 69 Manitobans have been killed in motor vehicle collisions so far this year on public roadways in Manitoba. 29 of these fatalities involved impairment by alcohol or drugs as a contributing factor, according to Manitoba Public Insurance data.

To keep impaired drivers in check, police agencies across the province are once again out in full force with their annual holiday season check stops. In addition, police now have new authority under The Criminal Code of Canada to demand drivers submit to roadside breath screening on a random basis, and without first having to form the opinion of suspected impairment by alcohol.

“Raising awareness about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving is a key goal for Manitoba Public Insurance this holiday season,” said Jatana. “Impaired driving is not only illegal, it can also lead to tragic outcomes, which is why we encourage all Manitobans to take personal responsibility for how they drive and the decisions they make behind the wheel.”

Drivers test positive for drugs

A study commissioned in 2016 by Manitoba Public Insurance confirmed many Manitoba drivers are consuming drugs before getting behind the wheel.

The Manitoba Drug and Alcohol Roadside Survey reported one in 10 Manitoba drivers who participated in voluntary roadside surveys tested positive for drugs. The purpose of the study was to establish a baseline for current drug and alcohol usage on Manitoba roadways. Of the 1,230 drivers who participated, 124 tested positive for some form of drug.

In total, 53 per cent of drivers with drugs in their systems tested positive for cannabis, 31 per cent for cocaine, 12 per cent for opioids, and two per cent each for benzodiazepines and amphetamines/methamphetamines. Twenty two per cent of these drivers tested positive for more than one drug.

The number one cause of auto theft in Manitoba is the use of vehicle keys. Last year in Manitoba, more than 3,100 vehicles were stolen ─ 90 per cent involving the use of keys.

With the arrival of winter weather, Manitoba Public Insurance urges all vehicle owners to avoid running vehicles unattended – whether to warm up or while dropping off holiday packages – unless equipped with a secure remote starting system.

Of all the vehicle thefts reported using vehicle keys last year, nearly 50 per cent involved keys left in the vehicle ignition or stowed somewhere else within the passenger compartment, according to Manitoba Public Insurance data. In other cases, vehicle keys were taken from homes or from purses and coats left in public places.

“Nearly all vehicles in Manitoba are now protected from theft with aftermarket or factory-installed electronic vehicle immobilizers,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance. “While these devices prevent a vehicle’s ignition from being defeated, they are rendered completely ineffective when auto thieves have access to vehicle keys or key fobs. This is why it is so important for vehicle owners to safeguard their vehicle keys at all times.”

Vehicle thefts last year cost Manitoba ratepayers about $17 million. Stolen vehicles are also used in the commission of other criminal offences and represent a significant public safety risk when driven erratically or at high speeds, often through residential neighbourhoods.

Holiday shoppers are also reminded to never leave shopping bags and other valuables in plain view when a vehicle is left unattended. Doing so can result in vehicle break-ins and create unnecessary stress over the holiday season. Valuables should always be removed from unattended vehicles or securely locked in the trunk or cargo area out of plain view.

How to protect your vehicle from theft

• Never leave your vehicle running when unattended.
• Never leave your vehicle keys unattended.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• When parking your car, always close the windows and lock the doors.
• Put valuables and packages in the trunk, where they’re out of sight.

As of the end of November, 237 Manitoba drivers have had their driver’s licence suspended ─ for the minimum three-day period ─ since Manitoba’s new distracted driving law took effect November 1.

The Winnipeg Police Service reports having apprehended 149 drivers, while the RCMP and Brandon Police Service reported that 67 and 21 drivers, respectively, were charged for using hand-operated electronic devices while driving.

“Distracted driving remains a very serious road safety issue in Manitoba,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for communications, Manitoba Public Insurance. “In 2017 alone, distracted driving was a contributing factor in more than 15,000 collisions, while 30 Manitobans lost their lives in distracted-related motor vehicle collisions.

“These police enforcement numbers confirm that too many Manitobans are still not getting the message about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving, and that should be a concern for all road users,” added Jatana.

In addition to an immediate roadside suspension, drivers convicted of using a hand-operated electronic device while driving also face a fine of $672 and five demerits on the Driver Safety Rating Scale.

“Our officers regularly see distracted drivers cause collisions that result in serious injury and even death on roadways throughout the province, these drivers are a clear risk to all Manitobans,” said Assistant Commissioner Scott Kolody, Commanding Officer of the Manitoba RCMP and President of the Manitoba Association Chiefs of Police.

“These new, strong penalties send a very clear message that such driving behaviour will not be tolerated. Officers across the province will continue to look for, ticket and suspend distracted drivers so that Manitoba roads are safer for everyone.”

A bad weather day in Manitoba ─ freezing rain, blowing and drifting snow, white-out conditions ─ can result in more than 1,000 collisions over a 24-hour period, according to Manitoba Public Insurance. In comparison, on a normal winter day Manitoba’s public insurer will open about 500 collision claims.

With a weather disturbance tracking across southern Saskatchewan, heading into regions of Manitoba, drivers are strongly encouraged to drive to road conditions. Most regions of southern Manitoba, including Winnipeg, are expected to receive snowfall amounts of five to 10 over the next couple of days, according to Environment Canada. In addition, there is a risk of freezing rain in southern regions of the province.

Safety tips

• Before you head out on the highway, check for road and weather conditions by calling 511.
• Be cautious in traveling on overpasses and bridges. The surfaces on these structures can freeze quickly due to no ground insulation.
• Don’t rush. Give yourself five or 10 extra minutes to get to your destination safely.
• See where you’re going. At this time of year, keeping windshields clear is essential so make sure windshield washer fluid is topped up and windows are clear of snow and ice.
• Allow more time to stop. Traction is reduced when roads are slippery it takes more time to come to a complete stop. If you don’t have winter tires, it’s not too late to get them.
• Leave more space. Don’t tailgate at any time and remember that following distance should be increased when travelling at higher speeds or in poor visibility.

As of the end of this October, 63 people have been killed in motor vehicle collisions on public roadways in Manitoba. Manitoba Public Insurance, in partnership with its road safety partners, is hoping tomorrow’s annual National Day of Remembrance for road crash victims encourages all motorists to think road safety.

“To know that 63 people this year have lost their lives in motor vehicle collisions is very concerning,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for communications, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Distracted driving. Impaired driving. Not wearing a seatbelt. Driving too fast for road or weather conditions. These are the driving factors behind most road fatalities in Manitoba. Every single road death is a tragic and heartbreaking event that too often didn’t need to happen.”

The National Day of Remembrance ─ which is spearheaded by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators and recognized in all provinces and territories across Canada ─ is a reminder to all motorists that they must think about the consequences of their actions while behind the steering wheel.

“The National Day of Remembrance raises awareness about the importance of road safety – a message that is important every single day of the year,” said Jatana. “Safe driving behaviour will lead to fewer collisions, deaths and injuries on our roadways.”

In efforts to reduce the number of fatalities on Manitoba roadways, Manitoba Public Insurance recently launched its Save the 100 campaign aimed at eliminating fatal collisions by humanizing the lost lives behind the annual fatality numbers, and asking all drivers to take personal responsibility for how they drive, and the decisions they make behind the wheel.

Front-line police officers are often first on the scene of a fatal crash. The emotional impact of a fatality reinforces their commitment to road safety.

“Every four days, a police officer in Manitoba will be faced with the difficult task of having to tell loved ones that a family member – a son, a daughter, a spouse – has been killed as a result of collision,” said Assistant Commissioner Scott Kolody, Commanding Officer of the Manitoba RCMP and President of the Manitoba Association Chiefs of Police.

“These visits by our officers are all too frequent, and is something that no family should ever have to go through. We remain committed to road safety so that one day, these visits can end. But we can’t do it alone, we need all Manitobans to make a personal commitment to slow down, drive sober, pay attention and to wear their seatbelts.”

Manitoba Public Insurance’s ‘Friends for Life’ speaker series

Working in partnership with the Manitoba School Boards Association (MSBA) and Teens Against Drinking and Driving (TADD), Manitoba Public Insurance’s Friends for Life speaker series launches this month.

Now an annual event in Manitoba, middle and high school students across the province will hear powerful and personal stories from speakers whose lives have been forever changed because of high-risk driving behaviour. More than 40 Manitoba schools and nearly 20,000 students will hear the presentations.

“The ‘Friends for Life’ program is a grassroots program, with a message specifically aimed at young people who are new to driving,” said Jatana. “The three keynote speakers will deliver impactful presentations about the benefits of positive choices while behind the wheel.”

Quick Facts

• Each year in Manitoba about 30 people are killed as a result of distracted driving
• A person is 35 times more likely to be killed and five times more likely to be seriously injured when not wearing a seatbelt
• Each year in Manitoba about 25 people are killed in alcohol related road crashes

With recent flooding on the east coast of the United States, in particular the states of Florida and the Carolinas, Manitoba Public Insurance is advising anyone looking to purchase a vehicle from the United States to carefully check the status of the vehicle before they close the deal. Failing to do so could result in financial loss and the vehicle not being allowed into Canada.

“Vehicle branding rules in the U.S. and inspections conducted by the Registrar of Imported Vehicles upon entry to Canada, flood-damaged vehicles may not be allowed to be registered in Manitoba,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for communications, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“To avoid a financial loss, consumers should to do their homework prior to making a used vehicle purchase. Due to severe weather fronts, tens of thousands of newer model vehicles were likely flooded or heavily damaged due to hurricanes and flooding. Many of these vehicles will be re-sold to unsuspecting consumers.”

Water-damaged vehicles can potentially be dangerous. Water can enter electronic components of vehicles, causing corrosion and malfunctioning of important safety features such as airbags. There may also be health concerns because of mold and other toxins.

Consumers can check the history of a vehicle from the U.S. by going to https://www.carfax.com/press/resources/flooded-cars.

Not branded “flood” damaged

Even if a vehicle is not branded as a flood-damaged vehicle, this doesn’t necessarily mean it did not suffer water damage. In some cases vehicle damages may not have been reported through vehicle insurers with owners repairing the vehicle and then selling it privately.

In such cases, a VIN search is only one of the steps a person should take before purchasing a used vehicle. Here are a few more tips:

• Have the vehicle inspected by a trusted and certified automotive technician before purchase.
• Check for damp or musty odours.
• Check for any signs of rust or mud in the trunk, glove box and beneath the seats.
• Check under the hood and look for a water line marked by mud or silt.

Over the last 10 years (2008-2017), not a single pedestrian under the age of 18 has been killed in a motor vehicle collision on Halloween, according to Manitoba Public Insurance data.

“Years of enhanced public awareness about the increased risk to young pedestrians on Halloween, combined with safety tips to children and their parents, has resulted in a safety record that all Manitobans can be proud of,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for communications, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Halloween is typically a very busy day on our streets with excited children. The fact that no road deaths have resulted over the last decade is proof that by taking personal responsibility for road safety, every road user has the power to prevent motor vehicle fatalities. In fact, there’s no reason why zero fatalities can’t be achieved the other 364 days of the year as well.”

The Road to Zero: Manitoba Road Safety Plan 2017-2020 was the first plan of its kind in Manitoba, and provided a vision for Manitoba to have the safest roads in Canada. The plan adopts a safe systems approach to road safety in which road users, highway infrastructure, vehicle design and technology, legislation, enforcement, and health services all play a role in developing solutions to reduce or eliminate injury and death on our roadways.

In support of Manitoba’s provincial road safety action plan, the public auto insurer recently launched a new and innovative road safety awareness campaign, tagged Save the 100. The key objective of the campaign, which represents the average number of people killed on Manitoba roadways annually over the last decade, is to reduce tolerance/acceptance for traffic fatalities by asking Manitobans to look beyond the statistics and focus on the real people and real lives lost behind every fatality number reported.

An equally important message is that every Manitoban has the power to bring the annual fatality count down to zero by changing how we think about road safety, the way we drive, and the decisions we make behind the wheel.

With road safety in mind, Manitoba Public Insurance recently distributed more than 103,526 reflective bags to 527 Manitoba schools for students in Kindergarten to Grade 6. Included in the bag was a letter which provided several important safety messages for parents and legal guardians as to how keep their ghosts and goblins safe while collecting their treats.

Safety tips for a happy Halloween

For trick-or-treaters:

• Don’t run out onto roadways.
• Always look both ways and cross at corners or intersections.
• Wear reflective clothing to make yourself more visible to motorists.
• Walk facing traffic when there is no sidewalk.

For motorists:

• Don’t speed ─ motorists should slow down when they see children walking.
• Don’t assume children see your vehicle. They are excited and could run out in front of you.
• Watch for children who may dart between parked vehicles. Be prepared to stop.

Eastman remains the No. 1 region for vehicle-deer collisions, according to Manitoba Public Insurance.

Eastman ─ which includes the communities of Steinbach, Lac du Bonnet, Anola, Birds Hill Park area and Falcon Lake ─ experienced an average of 1,700 collisions yearly, based on statistics collected from 2013 to 2017.

Of note, the city of Winnipeg dropped one level to No. 6 on the list of top vehicle-deer collision regions in the province, which is released annually by Manitoba’s public auto insurer.

“At this time of year in particular, there’s an increased likelihood of encountering these animals when travelling through these zones. Awareness is one key to preventing a collision,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“There are nearly 7,000 vehicle/deer collisions yearly in Manitoba. Our goal is to see that reduced through education, awareness, emerging driver-assist technologies, and drivers taking preventative steps.”

In addition to raising awareness of high-collision hotspots by publishing its annual listing, Manitoba Public Insurance works in partnership with the city of Winnipeg to place high visibility message signs at strategic locations identified as key wildlife-vehicle collisions hotspots. A total of 14 locations have been identified within Winnipeg.

In rural Manitoba, signs will be placed in Riding Mountain National Park, warning drivers of the potential danger of collision with wildlife and encouraging safe speeds, particularly between dusk and dawn.

On average, about 400 people are injured in wildlife-related collisions yearly. Over the last 10 years, seven people in Manitoba have been killed in crashes caused by an animal on a road. Overall, Manitobans are involved in more than 11,000 vehicle-wildlife collisions yearly according to Manitoba Public Insurance data.

The province’s Top 5 vehicle-deer collision regions are:

1. Eastman Region – 1,700 yearly collisions
2. Westman – 1,585 yearly collisions
3. Interlake – 1,200 yearly collisions
4. Pembina Valley – 665 yearly collisions
5. Central Plains – 640 yearly collisions

Tips to help keep you safe:

• Slow down when you see wildlife crossing signs and drive with extreme caution scanning the road ahead as well as shoulders and ditches.
• Animals are normally more active at dawn, dusk and at night.
• Be especially alert where brush and tall grass grow near the road.
• Watch for the reflection of headlights in the eyes of a deer, or a dark silhouette.
• Do not swerve if an animal does cross in front of your vehicle ─ brake firmly to reduce the impact between an animal and your vehicle.

As a leader in road safety, Manitoba Public Insurance is committed to educating teen drivers and helping them stay safe. National Teen Driver Safety Week ─ organized by Parachute Canada ─ is a good time for all teen drivers in the province to evaluate their driving behaviours and work on reducing teen driver involvement in collisions.

Teen drivers make up only about five per cent of Manitoba drivers, but were involved in 10 per cent of major injury collisions and seven per cent of fatal collisions last year, said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for communication, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Education, awareness and driver behaviour are key components in reducing road fatalities in Manitoba,” said Jatana. “Young drivers are impressionable and we hope to encourage them to be better drivers to make our province one of the road safest in Canada.”

High School Driver Education

Safe driving practices are instilled at the grass roots level through Manitoba Public Insurance’s High School Driver Education program. Courses are taught by approximately 300 instructors at 170 high schools across Manitoba. In total, about 12,000 students take the program yearly in Manitoba.

The Driver Education course includes 34 hours of classroom instruction, eight hours of behind-the-wheel training with a certified driving instructor and eight hours of in-car observation. Students are also required to practice with a parent, guardian or other qualifying supervising driver for a minimum of 24 hours.

“The program is ever evolving to stay relevant with new and emerging road safety issues such as cannabis impaired driving, distracted driving, and safe operation of vehicles on gravel roads,” said Jatana. “Drivers in the program are exposed to best practices relating to road safety.”

Earlier this year, Manitoba Public Insurance announced that it was expanding its High School Driver Education program into northern Manitoban communities.

“Our Corporation is proud to expand its driver education program for new teen drivers to communities where there is the infrastructure and community supports in place to do so,” said Jatana.

Parachute Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to injury prevention. The organization’s goal for Canadians is to have a long life, lived to the fullest. More information can be found on their website: http://www.parachutecanada.org/

Manitoba Public Insurance reported net income of $72.8 million for the first six months of its fiscal year ending August 31, 2018 – an increase of $30.5 million over the same time period last year. This includes net income from the Basic insurance line of business of $39.4 million in the first six months of the 2018/19 fiscal year.

“Operational results for the first two quarters of the Corporation’s 2018/19 fiscal year continue to be favourable, despite a major hail event that occurred in mid-June, and other weather-related incidents that resulted in an overall increase in physical damage claims costs incurred,” said Mark Giesbrecht, vice-president, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Historically, there is an increase in claims in the winter months, which offsets the positive financial results typically posted during the first two quarters of the Corporation’s fiscal year. As such, we will continue to closely monitor revenues, claims and claims costs over the remaining two quarters,” added Giesbrecht.

Total earned revenues for the first six months rose by $44.8 million from the same period last year, driven mainly by higher motor vehicle premium revenue resulting from an increase in the number of motor vehicles insured, the value of these vehicles, and an overall 2.6 per cent increase in Basic insurance rates ordered by the Public Utilities Board for the 2018/19 insurance year.

“The overall financial picture was also affected by an increase of $11.8 million in physical damage claims cost, which was partially offset by a decrease of $5.6 million in bodily injury claims costs compared to the first six months of the 2017/18 fiscal year,” said Giesbrecht.

In June, the Corporation applied to the Public Utilities Board for an overall increase of 2.2 per cent in Basic insurance premiums for the 2019/20 insurance year, with the majority of that increase (2.1 per cent) requested to maintain an adequate rate stabilization reserve to absorb future variations in revenues, claims costs, and investment revenues.

Since its introduction four years ago, more than 100,000 low-interest loans have been processed under the province’s Winter Tire Program, Crown Services Minister Colleen Mayer and Manitoba Public Insurance announced today.

“Prior to this program, Manitoba had one of the lowest rates of winter tire use in all of Canada,” said Mayer. “Thanks to this program, which is administered by Manitoba Public Insurance, and an increase in overall awareness about the safety benefits of winter tires, that number has grown significantly, which enhances road safety and helps to keep our auto insurance rates in check.”

Winter tires have a cold weather rubber compound and tread patterns designed to perform on wet, snow-covered and icy surfaces. Numerous road safety studies confirm that winter tires reduce braking distances by lessening sliding on ice and snow.

“Loss prevention strategies of this nature ultimately benefit Manitoba Public Insurance customers through lower rates,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for communications, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Our historic data shows an increase in collision claims during the winter months,” said Jatana. “Many of these collisions are fender benders, where one vehicle is unable to stop due to snow or ice, so as more vehicles in Manitoba are equipped with winter tires, we expect collision rates will ultimately decrease.”

Nearly 700 participating retailers

The program provides loans of up to 48 months at prime plus two per cent, up to $2,000 per vehicle. Participation is as easy as going to any one of 695 participating winter tire retailers throughout the province to confirm eligibility and have the loan authorization processed.

Eligible tires display a snowflake symbol, as endorsed by Transport Canada. This symbol indicates that the tires have met specific snow traction performance requirements and are designed to be used in severe snow conditions.

Financing is available to eligible customers for the purchase of winter tires in addition to associated installation costs including rims, tire pressure monitoring system, addition of studs to tires (some limitations apply), mounting and balancing, wheel alignment and shop supplies.

Customers interested in participating in the program are encouraged to visit Manitoba Public Insurance’s website at mpi.mb.ca for more information on program rules and to select a participating retailer.

Quick facts:

• The average length of a winter tire loan is currently about three years.
• The average loan amount is approximately $1,200.
• At temperatures just below freezing on dry pavement, winter tires have been shown to reduce stopping distances by as much as 30 per cent compared with all-season tires.
• Winter tires offer significantly better traction on snow-covered or icy road surfaces at temperatures well below -30 C than all-season tires have at 4 C.

Manitobans need to be less accepting towards road fatalities and more committed to driving motor vehicle-related deaths down to zero, says Manitoba Public Insurance.

In support of Manitoba’s provincial road safety action plan, the public auto insurer launched a new and innovative road safety awareness campaign before hundreds of students from Winnipeg’s Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute today.

Tagged Save the 100, the key objective of the campaign is to reduce tolerance/acceptance for traffic fatalities by asking Manitobans to look beyond the statistics and focus on the real people and real lives lost behind every fatality number reported. An equally important message is that every Manitoban has the power to bring the annual fatality count down to zero by changing how we think about road safety, the way we drive, and the decisions we make behind the wheel.

Save the 100 represents the average number of people killed on Manitoba roadways annually over the last decade.

“Virtually every week in this province there are reports of fatal motor vehicle collisions occurring on our roadways,” said Satvir Tkachuk, vice-president responsible for corporate communications, Manitoba Public Insurance. “As a result, many Manitobans have become desensitized to hearing about road deaths, particularly if there is no personal connection to the victim or victims.

“However, the reality is that every single person killed in a motor vehicle collision over the last decade had a personal connection to someone. Each and every one of their lives mattered,” said Tkachuk.

Save the 100 is a wake-up call to all Manitobans that people are losing their lives every single week on our roadways, and that behind each of those fatality numbers is a real person, a friend, a co-worker, and a loved one. And while getting to zero deaths on Manitoba roadways may seem like an unrealistic goal, the reality is that nearly all traffic fatalities are preventable, based on Manitoba Public Insurance data.

Primary contributing factors

In 2017, driver distraction was determined to be a factor in 41 per cent of all fatalities on public roadways in Manitoba. Impairment by drugs or alcohol and speed were also identified as contributing factors in nearly 32 per cent and 18 per cent of all fatalities recorded, respectively. Also concerning is the fact that 49 per cent of all fatally injured drivers and passengers were unbelted at the time of collision.

“These are the hard numbers that demonstrate most fatal motor vehicle collisions are fueled by dangerous, illegal or otherwise high-risk driving behaviour. It also tells us that most, if not all, of these collisions are preventable,” added Tkachuk.

Call to action

Save the 100 represents Manitoba Public Insurance’s newest ‘call to action’ and is about encouraging all road users to take personal responsibility for the decisions they make, how they drive, and how they interact with other vehicles, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians on our roadways.

“Together we must create more of a culture of traffic safety in our province so we can ultimately keep each other and our communities safe,” said Tkachuk. “Doing so is the only way we will achieve the road safety goals established under The Road to Zero: Manitoba Road Safety Plan 2017-2020.”

Road to Zero

Last September, Manitoba’s Provincial Road Safety Committee released its road safety action plan. The Road to Zero: Manitoba Road Safety Plan 2017-2020 is the first plan of its kind in Manitoba, and provides a vision for Manitoba to have the safest roads in Canada. The plan adopts a safe systems approach to road safety in which road users, highway infrastructure, vehicle design and technology, legislation, enforcement, and health services all play a role in developing solutions to reduce or eliminate injury and death on our roadways.

Highlighted priorities from the plan include more coordinated research and planning between agencies within the safe system, early adoption of automated vehicle technology, improved safety for vulnerable road users through smart road design, evolving Manitoba’s traffic safety culture, reducing driver distraction and impairment, increasing awareness of medically at-risk drivers of all ages, and examining new speed management strategies to lower risk, among others.

With Manitoba students now settled back into their school routines, Manitoba Public Insurance and Manitoba’s police agencies are sending a reminder to all drivers to stay vigilant in watching for children and driving with caution, particularly in school zones.

In addition to raising awareness about school zone safety, Manitoba’s public auto insurer is once again partnering with law enforcement agencies throughout the province to fund enhanced enforcement activities in and around schools over the month of September.

Now in its sixth year, funding of approximately $70,000 will assist eight police agencies in enhancing their patrols around schools in the mornings and afternoons when pedestrian activity and school bus/vehicle traffic volumes are heaviest. Participating agencies include the RCMP and police services in Winnipeg, Brandon, Winkler, Morden, Ste. Anne, Rivers, and Altona.

“Combining public awareness about back-to-school safety with the high visibility of police enforcement serves as a reminder for all motorists to slow down and drive with care in school zones,” said Satvir Tkachuk, vice-president responsible for Corporate Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance.

Over the past five years, participating police agencies have issued more than 5,000 provincial offence notices to motorists for various infractions ranging from speeding to use of a hand-held electronic device while driving, and failure to stop at pedestrian crosswalks and other traffic control devices. Last year, participating police agencies monitored a total of 124 different school locations in both urban and rural communities. Photo radar speed enforcement in school zones is not a part of this partnership initiative.

“The nature and sheer volume of these offences is concerning because they put our children at risk,” said Tkachuk. “Through this public awareness and enforcement campaign – along with our support for the school patrol program – our goal is to ensure that all of our young people can safely walk or cycle to school and home again without risk of being injured in a motor vehicle collision.”

SpeedWatch program

To assist with school zone safety and heighten awareness about vehicle speeds, Manitoba Public Insurance also offers speed reader boards to community organizations and school parent advisory groups through its popular SpeedWatch program. School or parent groups can borrow the equipment at no charge to help raise motorist awareness about speed limits and vehicle travel speeds as they pass through school zones.

Interested groups can call Manitoba Public Insurance’s SpeedWatch coordinator at 204-985–8737 or 1–888–767–7640 (toll-free) for more information or to book a speed reader board.

Important back-to-school safety tips

For Drivers:

• Look well ahead to spot school buses and school zone signs; reduce speed in school zones, and wait for children to cross completely before proceeding.
• Stop at least five metres behind a school bus when the upper red lights are flashing, and do not proceed until the “stop sign” is closed and the red lights stop flashing. Motorists travelling in both directions must stop for the school bus, except if the road is divided by a median.
• Scan under parked cars for the feet of children approaching traffic, and make lane changes early to allow room for children on bicycles, skateboards or roller blades.

For Parents:

• If you are driving your children to school, drop them off in a safe area, away from traffic; use a designated drop-off zone, if the school has one.
• Talk to your children about traffic safety and the importance staying alert to the traffic around them. This includes staying off cell phones and other electronic devices and being smart pedestrians.

For Children:

• Cross only at intersections whenever possible, preferably at those controlled by patrols, signs or traffic control signs.
• When crossing the street, make eye contact with drivers to be sure you are seen and cross as quickly as possible to minimize time in the roadway.

Large tractors – combines – cultivators. Chances are that motorists travelling in rural Manitoba this time of the year will encounter agricultural machinery as producers are hard at work taking crops off their fields.

“During harvest season, it’s particularly important that producers and motorists do their part to avoid collisions,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Farm equipment is large, may take up more than one lane, and is slow moving so motorists need to use extra caution when approaching and overtaking. Similarly, producers need to do their part to ensure equipment is properly signed with lights and reflectors in use. Extra caution is also required when entering roadways and making turns with this equipment.”

On average, there are about 20 collisions yearly in Manitoba involving agricultural equipment and passenger vehicles, according to Manitoba Public Insurance data.

Farm equipment is required to have a slow-moving vehicle emblem clearly visible to traffic approaching from behind, with red reflectors on the back as close as possible to the left and right sides. At night, farm equipment must have headlights, red tail lamps and flashing amber warning lamps.

“Motorists also have to do their part when approaching farm equipment to ensure we all stay safe,” said Bill Campbell, President of Keystone Agricultural Producers. “That includes slowing down, watching for equipment turn signals, and not trying to overtake a turning piece of equipment.”

While farm machinery needs to be clearly marked, all road users have a responsibility to safely share the road. Farm equipment has a maximum speed of 40 km/h so it’s easy for motorists to misjudge their speed of approach.

“Motorists can do their part by keeping a safe distance from agricultural machinery,” added Keith. “Motorists should be patient when they come upon farm equipment and only pass when safe to do so.”

On average, more than 800 collisions are reported on public roadways over the four-day September long weekend, according to Manitoba Public Insurance data.

With these disturbing statistics, Manitoba Public Insurance is calling on all road users to do their part in making this coming September long weekend safe and collision free.

“Everyone wants to enjoy the wonderful weather and time with family and friends before kids head back to school and the seasons change, but the September long weekend has proven to be a dangerous time for everyone on the road,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility which means that every road user must do their part to keep themselves and each other safe. Driving to road, weather and traffic conditions, and making safe decisions behind the wheel will ensure that every single Manitoban gets to their destinations safely this weekend,” added Keith.

In this unofficial last weekend of summer, check these driving tips off your bucket list to ensure a fun – and safe – holiday for everyone:

• Don’t text and drive. It’s against the law and attracts five demerits on the Driver Safety Rating scale. Put away the smart phone and focus on the task of driving.
• Don’t drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Driving drunk or high slows reaction time and continues to be a major contributor to fatal collisions in Manitoba. It’s also a Criminal offence that can result in severe penalties including jail time.
• Don’t speed. Speeding at-fault drivers are responsible for deaths of 19 people each year and injure more than 700 others. Speeding also includes driving too fast for conditions so slow down at night, in bad weather, or if traffic volumes are high.
• Buckle up. No matter where you are sitting in a vehicle or how long or short your trip is. People not using their seatbelts are 26 times more likely to be killed and two times more likely to be seriously injured in a collision than people using their seatbelt.
• Slow down in construction zones. Watch for signs as the speed limit will be lower in a construction zone. Follow directions. The flag person helps control the flow of traffic. Follow their directions, including slowing down or stopping. Remember roadside workers have a right to get home safely too.

Road safety has been dramatically enhanced on many Manitoba gravel roads, thanks to a highly successful, on-going RCMP enforcement campaign funded in part by Manitoba Public Insurance.

The dedicated gravel road enforcement project, which was launched in the spring of 2017, has resulted in more than 1,000 charges for speeding, impaired driving, failure to use seatbelts, failing to stop at intersections, open alcohol, and operating unregistered vehicles, among other offences.

“Our data was showing a growing road safety concern on rural gravel roads, for which additional road safety education and supporting police enforcement was required,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“On average, 14 people are killed and nearly 500 people injured in crashes on gravel roads in Manitoba annually,” said Keith. “Nearly 40 per cent of fatal crashes involve impaired driving with another 20 per cent attributed to speed. Non-use of seat belts is also a problem, likely because gravel roads are typically less traveled and therefore more of a challenge for police to enforce.”

There are about 3,200 crashes reported annually on gravel roads based on Manitoba Public Insurance data.

In efforts to reduce those numbers and heighten road safety awareness, Manitoba Public Insurance and the RCMP partnered in the joint public awareness and enforcement campaign specific to gravel roads.

“Gravel roads and rural communities are not immune to collisions and resulting fatalities,” said Chief Superintendent Mark Fisher, Officer in Charge of Criminal Operations for the RCMP in Manitoba.

“Some people take the ‘back roads’ to avoid running into the police, but the police are there. Regardless if you are driving on a gravel road, an urban street or the Trans-Canada Highway, the laws are the same. Hopefully our increased presence on gravel roads will encourage drivers to slow down, buckle up, pay attention to the road, and drive sober.”

High School Driver Education

To complement the joint awareness and enforcement program, Manitoba Public Insurance has expanded the High School Driver Education program curriculum to include gravel road driving skills as a mandatory component of in-class and in-car training for all new teen drivers in the program.

“Learning how to safely operate a vehicle on gravel roads at highway speeds is an important skill for all new teen drivers in Manitoba, regardless of where they live,” said Keith. “Depending on road and weather conditions, even small steering wheel movements can result in loss of vehicle control and potential vehicle rollover. This is why practical, behind-the-wheel experience under the supervision of a professional driving instructor is so important.”

Auto insurance fraud has a financial cost for all Manitoba Public Insurance ratepayers, which is why the province’s public auto insurer is putting out the call to Manitobans to report suspected fraudsters.

Disturbingly, the Corporation’s Special Investigation Unit is seeing an increase in fraudulent activity. As a result MPI watchdogs are initiating more investigations and using new investigative tools that are anticipated to save Autopac ratepayers upwards of $8 million this year, compared to $6.5 million in 2017.

One such recent investigation resulted in a Hadashville man being ordered to repay $35,056 in insurance benefits paid after pleading guilty to making a false statement in court. In addition to the court-ordered restitution, the man ─ who stated he was unable to work due to injuries after an auto crash ─ was fined $1,000 in addition to court costs of $450. He was also given a three-year supervised probation order during which time he must complete 50 hours of community service work.

Investigations revealed the man was working full days doing construction, including working on his cottage and boathouse while collecting income replacement benefits from MPI.

“Fraud is a concern for all insurance companies and Manitoba Public Insurance is no exception,” said Curtis Wennberg, vice-president Customer Service & COO, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“While some may see fraud as a ‘victimless crime’, the reality is that auto insurance fraud costs every single ratepayer; which makes every honest MPI customer a victim. This is why we’re reaching out to all Manitobans to help stop auto insurance fraud by reporting information confidentially and anonymously to the Manitoba Public Insurance TIPS line.”

What is Auto Insurance Fraud?

While some frauds may be elaborate and highly planned such as staged collisions or intentional vehicle arson, auto insurance frauds can also be less overt. Examples may include exaggerating personal injury, claiming income replacement indemnity when able to work, claiming unrelated or pre-existing vehicle damage, or providing a false or misleading account of how a crash happened.

Committing auto insurance fraud can have serious consequences. In Manitoba, claims confirmed as fraudulent will result in termination of benefits, outright denial of insurance coverage, or possible criminal charges being laid.

“Fraud schemes can be very complex but also very simple,” added Wennberg. “In the end they all create unnecessary costs to our ratepayers, which is why we are committed to investigating all suspected fraudulent activity involving claimants or service providers.”

Are you aware of a suspected auto insurance fraud?

Call the Manitoba Public Insurance TIPS line:

204-985-8477 or toll-free 1-877-985-8477