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Manitoba Public Insurance’s Interim Vehicles-for-Hire (VFH) Application has been approved by the Public Utilities Board.

The new VFH insurance rates will be available to private passenger vehicle and light truck owners interested in offering ride-share services in accordance to municipal bylaws starting March 1, 2018. The same rating model will apply to existing classes of vehicles for hire, such as taxicabs, limos, and accessible vehicles.

“Manitoba Public Insurance continues to value the important role that the Public Utilities Board plays in approving rates for Basic auto insurance in Manitoba,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development and Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance. “With this ruling, the Corporation looks forward to continuing discussions with ride-share service providers such as UBER and Lyft with a view to welcoming them to the province of Manitoba starting on March 1st.

Under the approved framework, insurance rates for private VFH operators will be assessed a maximum of 20 percent higher than the standard all-purpose insurance rate, which is equivalent to the premium differential in other jurisdictions. Recognizing the importance of not creating unnecessary financial barriers to entry for ride-share operators, interested customers will have the flexibility to reduce the premiums they pay even further by selecting operating time bands if they want to. These time bands will allow VFH operators the opportunity to tailor their insurance coverage, and associated premiums, based on when and how often they intend to offer vehicle for hire services.

Time band options will be:

A) Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday through Thursday, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

B) Nightly, 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.

C) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

D) Friday, 6 p.m. through Sunday, 11 p.m.

Under the approved framework, insurance rates for taxicabs, limousines and accessibility vehicles will not change, unless fewer than all four time bands are selected, in which case premiums will be priced for risks within those declared time bands based on current claims data.

“As the election of time bands is flexible, customers can tailor their operating periods and related insurance costs to fit their availability and desired part-time or full-time vehicles for hire participation level,” added Keith. “For those operators that want complete flexibility to offer ride-share services at any time of the day or night, selection of all four time bands will allow for 7/24 operation at a cost that is equivalent to the additional premiums charged in other jurisdictions.”

All vehicle for hire operators will have the opportunity to purchase Autopac extension products (i.e.: buy down their deductible/increase third party liability limits). Driver Safety Rating discounts will also apply to individual customers.

In its application, Manitoba Public Insurance stated that the basic, compulsory insurance program in Manitoba requires insurance to be placed – and claims costs tracked – at the vehicle level based on declared vehicle use. Doing so ensures that regular passenger vehicle owners will not subsidize the claims costs of ride share service providers, just like they don’t subsidize the claims costs for taxicabs or commercial trucks today.”

Tracking claims experience separately for VFH operators will allow for insurance rates to be adjusted over time as actual claims experience for vehicle for hire operations is developed in Manitoba.

Recognizing the needs of ride share service providers, Manitoba’s public auto insurer will also offer a blanket insurance policy to ensure that these platform providers are fully protected from financial and reputational risk in the event that one of their Manitoba operators is involved in a collision and is determined to be improperly insured while operating on the platforms.

“Manitoba Public Insurance looks forward to continuing ongoing dialogue with ride share service providers such as UBER and Lyft to make it as easy as possible to enter the Manitoba market and begin offering their services to Manitobans starting March 1,” said Keith.

As Manitobans deal with extreme cold temperatures, Manitoba Public Insurance is encouraging vehicle owners to inspect their extension cords. Every winter in Manitoba, several dozen vehicle fires are the direct result of damaged extension cords or worn block heater/in-car heater plugs.

A cracked extension cord or block heater cord with a corroded plug can result in “electrical arcing” which can quickly spark a fire. Extension cords which are cracked or have exposed wires should be replaced. Corrosion can be caused by exposure to moisture, dirt and road salts.

Safety tips for extension cords/block heater plugs

• Don’t drive over your extension cord. This can cause cracking/breaking during bitterly cold weather.
• With personal safety in mind, people are advised not to plug in their vehicles within a garage or any other enclosed structure.
• Take the time to visually inspect your extension cords to ensure no obvious signs of damage or exposed wiring.
• Cover your block heater plug-in with its protective cover.
• Unplug your block heater by using the hard, rubber end. Pulling on the electrical cord can cause breakage and potential electrical issues.

The combination of keen-eyed estimators, security cameras, highly-experienced investigators and tips from the general public all proved to be valuable in assisting Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) in its anti-fraud efforts in 2017.

MPI’s annual top five fraud list is selected by reviewing a number of factors: sheer uniqueness of the fraud, financial savings for MPI and investigative excellence in unearthing the fraud.

Suspicious claims are handled by MPI’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU). The efforts of this special unit resulted in claims savings last year of $6.2 million for Manitoba auto insurance rate payers. The SIU closed 2,560 investigations in 2017.

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.

No. 1: “Muddy Situation”

Thanks to the seasoned investigative skills of an SIU investigator, a fraudulent total loss claim was discovered, saving MPI and its ratepayers $36,000.

The vehicle owner stated they were travelling on a gravel road and while attempting to turn around lost control and sped into a water-filled ditch. The investigation told another story: the vehicle had in fact been “drowned” while four-wheel mudding. In addition, a web page for a local Jeep club published a photo from a long weekend rally, showing the vehicle stuck and buried in deep mud.

The investigation also discovered the vehicle owner had previously attempted to get the vehicle fixed at a dealership, where technicians explained the damage (water in engine oil) was not covered.

Presented with all the facts, the vehicle owner withdrew their claim.

No. 2: “One Hail of a Story”

The keen eyes of Manitoba Public Insurance training and research staff led to the denial of a hail claim of nearly $6,000.

The vehicle owner stated they went shopping and while their vehicle was parked outside it was damaged by a severe hail storm. In total, nearly 200 dents were on the vehicle. MPI staff, familiar with how vehicle paint is affected by hail stones, quickly confirmed the dents were not consistent with hail, but were, in fact, caused by a tool/object.

When presented with the findings of the experts, the vehicle owner withdrew their claim.

No. 3: “Doesn’t Always Pay to Advertise”

On the surface, the collision claim didn’t appear to be out of the ordinary: the driver admitted they had gotten into a fender bender. And being a novice driver, they also indicated they had a supervising driver at the time of the crash. Soon after, an experienced employee with MPI noticed a classified ad in a foreign-language newspaper, asking for a “supervising driver”.

With this information, the vehicle owner later confirmed to an SIU investigator that they did not have a supervising driver and withdrew their claim, in addition to signing a $2,500 promissory note for the total cost of repairs to the third-party vehicle.

No. 4: “Camera Captures All”

The vehicle owner opened a single-vehicle collision claim, stating he lent his vehicle to a friend, who accidently crashed the car into a cement pole after swerving to miss an animal. When attending to the scene, investigators noticed a closed circuit security camera mounted directly above the crash site.

The video clearly showed the vehicle driven at a high speed directly into the cement pole ─ with no animal anywhere to be seen. The video also proved the driver was not a friend, but in fact, the owner of the vehicle.

When presented with the evidence, the vehicle owner repaid MPI the costs of the repair: $7,000.

No. 5: “Actively Injured”

Stating they were too injured to return to work, the claimant began receiving income replacement payments from MPI. As the months passed, suspicions arose about how injured the claimant really was. An extensive investigation soon discovered the claimant led a very active life, including making regular trips to the gym where they were seen lifting heavy amounts of weights.

Based on the evidence of the investigation and opinions of experienced medical experts, it was determined the claimant was physically fit to return to work without issue. As a result, MPI terminated the income replacement payments ─ an estimated saving of nearly $55,000.

How many road crash deaths are okay? Manitoba Public Insurance is encouraging all motorists to conclude that losing even one Manitoban from motor vehicle collisions is one too many – and is encouraging motorists to resolve to make 2018 the safest-ever year on Manitoba roadways. On that note, Manitoba’s public auto insurer has released its Top 5 road safety resolutions for motorists to consider:

1) Drive sober

The use of either alcohol or drugs while driving is a dangerous mix. Many drivers believe cannabis has no effect on their driving ability. MPI’s public awareness and education efforts over the next year will give Manitobans the information they need to make safe decisions when it comes to driving after consuming cannabis, and to understand how, similar to alcohol, cannabis and other drugs can impair driving ability.

On average, every year 25 people are killed in an impaired-driving related collisions and a recent medical study published by the British Medical Journal shows that crash rates for drivers under the influence of cannabis are two to six times higher than for drivers who are not impaired.

Don’t become a statistic!

2) Stick to driving: distracted driving can be fatal

Each year in Manitoba about 28 people are killed as a result of distracted driving. A recent survey of Manitoba drivers revealed that 15 per cent of respondents admitted to using a handheld cellphone while driving, with usage nearly doubling among drivers age 25 to 39.

However, distracted driving is not exclusive to the use of smart phones while driving. Distracted driving is anything that diverts your attention from the road. Distractions take your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and your mind off the job of driving.

Stay focused on the task of driving!

3) Buckle up. Every time.

On average, 20 people each year are killed in Manitoba because they were not wearing a seatbelt. Consider the odds: A person is nearly 35 times more likely to be killed and five times more likely to be seriously injured when not wearing a seatbelt. In rural Manitoba, highway speeds increase crash severity, which makes wearing seatbelts even more important, regardless of where you are seated in the vehicle.

Whether a short trip or a long one – seat belts save lives!

4) Watch your speed

Speeding claims about 21 lives yearly in Manitoba, in addition to 600 people injured in speed-related crashes. Weather conditions in Manitoba can also make driving treacherous.

At this time of year, all drivers should be in full ‘winter driving mode’. Be particularly cautious when traveling on overpasses and bridges. The surfaces on these structures can freeze quickly due to a lack of ground insulation. 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.

Drive to road conditions ─ speed limits are intended for ‘ideal’ driving conditions!

5) Watch out for vulnerable road users: motorcycles, pedestrians and cyclists

Over the first 11 months of 2017, seven motorcyclists and 11 pedestrians lost their lives in motor vehicle-related collisions on public roadways. As our most vulnerable road users, drivers are encouraged to look twice, and give the time and space needed to keep pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists safe. For cyclists, this means giving at least one metre of space when passing.

Our roadways belong to all road users!

A new plan by the Provincial Road Safety Committee provides a vision for Manitoba to have the safest roads in Canada and lays the groundwork to one day achieving zero traffic fatalities on the roadways, Crown Services Minister Cliff Cullen and Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced today.

The Road to Zero: Manitoba Road Safety Plan 2017-2020 – the first plan of its kind in Manitoba – adopts a Safe System approach for Manitoba which envisions a more forgiving road system that takes human imperfection and vulnerability into account and considers all parts of the road system holistically in developing solutions to eliminate injury and death, the ministers added.

The Safe System approach focuses on:

• safe roads – designing infrastructure that is forgiving of mistakes and protects vulnerable road users;
• safe speeds – ensuring that speed limits are safe and appropriate, and speeds are managed so that other parts of the system work as intended;
• safe road users – educating the public on the preventability of collisions and instilling a traffic safety culture; and
• safe vehicles – ensuring that vehicles are designed, manufactured and repaired as safely as possible.

“In Manitoba, we aspire to have a road system where emerging vehicle technology; road design, construction and maintenance; traffic safety legislation and enforcement; public awareness and safe travel speeds all contribute to reductions in traffic fatalities and serious injuries,” said Schuler. “This plan represents the collaborative work of many road safety stakeholders and by working together and consulting with the full range of road safety advocates, we are unified in our approach and collectively focused on the same priorities and goals.”

To align itself with current national and international best practice in road safety, Road to Zero also supports a Toward Zero future vision where roadways are free of traffic fatalities or severe injuries, Schuler added. It is an ethics-based approach for road safety which, at its core, holds the principle that it is unacceptable for anyone to be killed or seriously injured when moving within the transportation system, he noted.

“Our province is committed to identifying and implementing road safety strategies and solutions that work for Manitobans,” said Cullen. “The vision of the road safety plan is for Manitoba to have the safest roads in Canada and we are committed to one day achieving zero traffic fatalities on our roadways. This is a big step forward to achieving better outcomes for Manitobans and their safety on streets and highways.”

Road to Zero follows the Canadian Road Safety Strategy 2025 and seeks to accelerate previous downward trends in the rate-based number of fatalities and serious injuries on provincial and municipal roadways.

Road to Zero provides key priorities for the next three years for legislators, administrators, public works, law enforcement and the transportation sector to advance the road safety agenda in Manitoba.

Highlighted priorities include more co-ordinated 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.

The Provincial Road Safety Committee was struck in 2015 and includes leadership from Manitoba Infrastructure, Manitoba Public Insurance, Manitoba Justice, Manitoba Health, and the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police.

Road to Zero: Manitoba Road Safety Plan 2017-2020 is available to the public via download from the Manitoba Public Insurance website at https://www.mpi.mb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Road-To-Zero.pdf.

Thousands of Manitoba high school students will listen to impactful, first-person stories of how making a bad decision can lead to death or life-changing injuries as the result of an automobile collision through Manitoba Public Insurance’s popular Friends for Life speaker series.

Visiting nearly 40 schools, three keynote speakers will each share their unique and heart wrenching experiences with the goal of changing thinking and ultimately preventing high-risk behaviours in Manitoba’s youngest drivers.

“Making good decisions before a person puts the key in the ignition, and while driving, is the overriding message with Friends for Life,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and CAO, Manitoba Public Insurance.

Manitoba Public Insurance statistics report that youth aged 16 to 19 are nearly four times more likely to be involved in a collision while impaired compared to drivers aged 25 and older. Meanwhile, an average of 29 Manitobans are killed yearly on roadways due to distracted driving. By delivering understandable, powerful, preventative messages to teen drivers, the goal is to reduce collisions and fatalities which far too often, can be prevented.

“With the impending legalization of cannabis, our Corporation is focused on heightening awareness about not only alcohol-impaired driving, but also the extent to which cannabis and other drugs, including prescription medications, can impair driving ability. Evidence has suggested that young people are increasing their use of drugs, with cannabis use now reported as more common than alcohol consumption,” Keith said.

“Combining inexperience behind the wheel with a general lack of maturity and low awareness of the cognitive effects drugs can have on driving ability, new teen drivers are at particular risk of being involved in motor vehicle collisions. Our Friends for life speaker series is aimed specifically at reaching that age group.”

Presented in conjunction with the Manitoba School Boards Association and Teens Against Destructive Decisions, Friends for Life has reached more than 100,000 students over the past five years.

About our speakers:

John Westhauver: A fatal crash changed his life forever. Several of his best friends were killed and John suffered severe burns to 75 per cent of his body. John uses living through the aftermath of the accident to talk to young people about dangerous driving behaviours in the hope that his experience could prevent other fatal crashes from happening.

Cheryl Tofin: She tells students about the heart-breaking story of losing her 16-year-old daughter in a drunk-driving collision. Cheryl describes the gut-wrenching emotions she went through following her daughter’s death.

Amanda Stuhl-Oling: Amanda lost her father in an alcohol-related collision. She describes how a teenager’s choice to drink and drive changed her life forever. This choice not only impacted two communities but also deeply affected the driver’s family and friends.

Manitoba’s online organ and tissue donor registry turned five this year and a wave of www.signupforlife.ca cards is being rolled out across the province through more than 300 independent insurance brokers to encourage Manitobans to declare their intent to be a donor online.

“For many of us, getting our driver’s license was our first introduction to the idea of organ and tissue donation,” said Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living Kelvin Goertzen. “Having signupforlife.ca cards available when Manitobans go to renew their license is a great visual reminder to register or to recycle that paper donor card.”

Last summer 30,000 cards were distributed. They were so warmly welcomed by insurance brokers and drivers, a second wave is on the way.

“The few minutes it takes to register online can make a lifetime of difference for a recipient,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development, Communications and Chief Administrative Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance. “By having the cards readily available, it’s hoped this will encourage more Manitobans to consider becoming a donor and truly making a difference.”

“The Insurance Brokers’ Association of Manitoba is very proud that our member brokers are involved in the communities where they live and work. From providing Manitobans with the insurance that best fits their needs, to supporting fundraisers in their communities, Insurance Brokers are on your team. Along with MPI and Transplant Manitoba – brokers are happy to assist in informing Manitobans on how to register as an organ and/or tissue donor online,” said Olivia Doerksen, Director of PR & Marketing, IBAM.

When families know their loved one wished to be a donor, 90 per cent of families support that choice. However, on average 49 per cent of Manitoba families choose not to donate largely because they don’t know their loved one’s final wishes. Transplant Manitoba – Gift of Life physician Dr. Faisal Siddiqui appreciates the opportunity to share information about how the public can ensure that their loved ones know if organ and tissue donation is important to them through this partnership with MPI and Manitoba Insurance Brokers.

“We thank everyone who has tucked a paper card into their wallets and carried it with them for all these years,” said Dr. Siddiqui. “Now is the time to dig out that card, talk about your decision to be a donor with your family and record that decision securely using https://www.signupforlife.ca/.”

Since its launch in 2012, https://www.signupforlife.ca/ has recorded the donation decisions of more than 21,000 Manitobans. Registration is easy. All Manitobans need is about two minutes online and three pieces of information – their name, birthdate and the nine-digit Personal Health Information Number from their Manitoba health card.

October was a disturbing month on Manitoba roadways: 12,000 collision claims were reported while 12 people were killed in auto-related collisions on public roadways.

Collision counts were eight per cent higher than in October of last year. The number of fatalities was also ahead of the October five-year average (2012-16) of eight deaths.

“The trends are concerning,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and CAO, Manitoba Public Insurance. “At this time of year, it is very important to adjust driving behaviours as road and weather conditions fluctuate.

“With wet and icy roads, snow, and the onset of colder weather requires, all drivers should be slowing down, driving to road and weather conditions, and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles,” said Keith. “Extra caution is also required to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe.”

In addition to shifting their driving behaviours, vehicle owners are encouraged to look into the Winter Tire Program, which provides low-interest loans to eligible customers to assist with purchasing winter tires. The program offers financing at prime plus two per cent, for up to $2,000 towards the purchase of qualifying winter tires. Financing may also be used towards associated costs such as rims, mounting, balancing, taxes and fees.

Winter safe driving tips

• Be cautious in travelling on overpasses and bridges. The surfaces on these structures can freeze quickly due to a lack of 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. 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, so 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 distances should be increased when travelling at higher speeds or in poor visibility.

Tomorrow is a sombre day for thousands of Canadians who have tragically lost loved ones to road collisions.

The National Day of Remembrance for road crash victims is spearheaded by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators and supported by Manitoba Public Insurance. It is a day set aside each year to remember those who have been killed in motor vehicle collisions – collisions that far too often could have been prevented.

Last year in Manitoba, 107 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes on public roadways – the deadliest year on Manitoba roads in the past five years. While 2017 is proving to be a safer year for fatalities, 66 people have still been killed in road-related crashes so far. With prevention in mind, the Province recently released the Manitoba Road Safety Plan: Road to Zero 2017-2020. The new plan lays out the key priorities to be addressed and creates a framework for road safety stakeholders to work together on holistic approaches and lasting solutions.

“The vision of the road safety plan is for Manitoba to have the safest roads in Canada and we are committed to one day achieving zero traffic fatalities on our roadways,” Minister of Crown Services Cliff Cullen said today.

“Prevention and reduction of road losses will be achieved by focusing on strategies aimed at road users, the vehicles they drive, the roads they drive on, and enforcement of traffic laws. Everyone has a part to play in achieving our vision of having the safest roads in Canada and zero road fatalities.”

Manitoba Public Insurance and its road safety partners are committed to raising awareness about the dangers of high-risk driving behaviours.

“The ripple effect of a death is far reaching and lasting,” Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and CAO, Manitoba Public Insurance, said today.

“The National Day of Remembrance serves as a reminder about those who have been killed in motor vehicle crashes and the loved ones they have left behind. It also gives us the opportunity to think about the consequences of our own actions when behind the steering wheel.

“Far too often, collisions occur because of poor choices and high-risk driving behaviours, including driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol, speeding, driving too fast for conditions, driving while distracted, and non-use of seatbelts.”

Police agencies in Manitoba must also deal with the consequences of high-risk driving behaviour.

“Deaths from motor vehicle collisions are almost entirely preventable, yet too many Manitobans die this way every year,” said Insp. Gord Spado, of the Winnipeg Police Service’s Central Traffic Division.

“The Winnipeg Police Service shares the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities on Manitoba roadways. To do this, there needs to be education and enforcement to change driver behaviour. The police service is committed to doing our part.”

“There is no easy way to tell someone their loved one isn’t coming home, but we have had to do it far too many times this year,” said Insp. Ed Moreland, Officer in Charge of Traffic Services for the RCMP in Manitoba. “Simple decisions, such as slowing down, driving sober, buckling up and paying attention can have life-saving consequences.”

Quick Facts:

• Each year in Manitoba about 28 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.
• On average (2012 to 2016), there are 25 people killed in impaired driving collisions each year on public roads in Manitoba.
• In 2016, four bicyclists, three motorcyclists and 13 pedestrians – our most vulnerable road users – lost their lives in motor vehicle-related collisions on public roadways.

Manitoba Public Insurance is launching a broad public awareness and education campaign to raise awareness about the dangers and consequences of drug-impaired driving, in readiness for the expected federal legalization of recreational use of marijuana in 2018, Premier Pallister and Crown Services Minister Cliff Cullen announced today.

“Our primary concern regarding the legalization of marijuana is the health and safety of Manitobans. Our government has been clear from the onset that federal plans to legalize marijuana must take into consideration the potential harms that can result, including a potential increase in drug-impaired driving collisions, fatalities and serious injuries,” said Pallister.

“Our hope is that MPI’s public awareness and education efforts over the next year will give all Manitobans the information they need to make safe decisions when it comes to driving after consuming cannabis, and to understand how, similar to alcohol, cannabis and other drugs can impair driving ability.”

Today’s announcement follows Manitoba Public Insurance announcing in March that one in 10 Manitoba drivers who participated in voluntary roadside surveys conducted last fall tested positive for drugs. Of the 1,230 drivers who participated in the survey, 124 tested positive for drugs with 53 per cent testing positive for cannabis, 31 per cent for cocaine and 12 per cent for opioids. Twenty two per cent of these drivers tested positive for more than one drug.

“Education and public awareness are critical in making all Manitobans aware of the dangers of drugs and driving,” said Cullen. “Recent results of the Manitoba Drug and Alcohol Roadside Survey confirm the need for more awareness about this serious road safety issue, and the importance of understandable messaging related to the dangers of drug use while driving.”

“While our government continues to express concern with the federal government’s accelerated timeframe of legalization, we will continue to do our part, in partnership with MPI, to get in front of this issue with a proactive and informative public awareness strategy,” added Cullen.

The multi-dimensional campaign launching by Manitoba Public Insurance this month will focus on four primary target audiences:

• New teen drivers
• Youth in general
• Physicians and their patients
• General public

“Messaging is far ranging and substantive, beginning with new teen drivers who participate in the Corporation’s High School Driver Education program, and expanding the messaging to other groups,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications, Chief Administrative Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Impairment by drugs is not only a risk related to cannabis use,” added Keith. “Use of illicit drugs and even legally prescribed medication can impair judgment and motor skills, which is why this campaign includes outreach to the medical community and their patients.

“The roadside survey conducted last fall confirms that many drivers in Manitoba simply do not understand or appreciate the extent to which consuming drugs can impair their ability to drive, and pending federal legislation to legalize cannabis makes the issue of drug-impaired driving an area of growing concern.”

Consistent with its mission of working with Manitobans to reduce risk on the road, the public insurer’s objective in launching this campaign is to reduce the incidence of drug-impaired driving collisions, claims and claims costs, which in turn, will benefit all rate payers in terms of the premiums they pay. The corporation also hopes that by raising awareness about the dangers and consequences of drug-impaired driving, fewer Manitobans will be killed or seriously injured on our roadways as a result of collisions that are, in most cases, completely preventable.

MADD Canada proactive

Canada’s leading advocate against impaired driving, Mothers Against Drinking and Driving, strongly supports these efforts and has introduced its own proactive public awareness campaign against drug-impaired driving.

“Educating and informing Canadians about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving is critical in keeping our roads safe so I applaud the Government of Manitoba and Manitoba Public Insurance for these proactive efforts,” said Andrew Murie, Chief Executive Officer, MADD Canada.

“Information alone will not end impaired driving, but the majority of people – when fully informed of the risks, both to themselves and others – will make the right choices and never get behind the wheel impaired. Heightened awareness about the dangers of drug-impaired driving is a critically important step in these efforts.”

Crash rate increases with drug use

A recent medical study published by the British Medical Journal shows that crash rates for drivers under the influence of cannabis are two to six times higher than for drivers who are not impaired. The different rates are due to how much and how often drivers have smoked cannabis.

Data also shows that in 2013 (the last year available), 95 per cent of fatally injured drivers in Manitoba were tested for the presence of drugs in their system. Of those drivers, nearly 40 per cent tested positive for the presence of drugs.

Highlights of the 2016 Manitoba Drug and Alcohol Roadside Survey

• Drug use was noted in 124 drivers across all survey communities and among both males and females.
• Drug use was most prevalent in the 35-44 age group (14 per cent of drivers tested in that age group), although young drivers also tested positive for drug use (4 per cent of drivers aged 16-18 and 12 per cent of drivers aged 19-24).
• Results indicate that the most prevalent drug for both sexes was cannabis, representing 53 per cent of positive drug tests overall (63 per cent for men and 49 per cent for women).

Nearly 80,000 loans have been processed for Manitobans taking advantage of the Province’s low-interest Winter Tire Program, Minister of Crown Services Cliff Cullen and Manitoba Public Insurance announced today.

“Response by vehicle owners continues to be very positive and well received,” said Cullen. “This low-interest Winter Tire Program assists Manitobans to equip their vehicles with winter tires with the ultimate goal being fewer winter collisions and safer roads.

“With colder temperatures and winter conditions now here, Manitoba vehicle owners are strongly encouraged to winter-harden their vehicles before the arrival of harsher weather.”

More than 600 participating retailers

Now entering its fourth year, 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 646 participating winter tire retailers in the province who can direct bill Manitoba Public Insurance once customer eligibility for the program is confirmed and loan authorizations approved.

Eligible tires will 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.

“Numerous road safety studies confirm that winter tires reduce braking distances by lessening sliding on ice and snow,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and CAO, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Road safety needs to be a priority of everyone who travels on our roadways. Reducing fatalities and injuries is a goal which can be achieved when everyone makes the commitment to safety. Preparing for winter with the use of winter tires is one way to keep our roads safe by improving traction and reducing stopping distances.”

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 one of the 646 participating retailers throughout Winnipeg and rural Manitoba.

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.

Manitoba Public Insurance will once again provide funding to police agencies to conduct enhanced speed enforcement in school zones during the month of September, the Crown insurer announced today.

“Combining enhanced public awareness about school zone safety with the high visibility of police enforcement serves as a reminder to all motorists to slow down and drive with caution in school zones,” said Cliff Cullen, Minister of Crown Services. “The ultimate goal of these road safety partnerships is to enhance safety for students as they start another school year and travel back and forth to school daily.”

Manitoba Public Insurance is partnering with seven police agencies on this initiative including the RCMP and police services in Winnipeg, Brandon, Winkler, Morden, Ste. Anne and Altona. Last year a total of 108 school locations were monitored with 780 Highway Traffic Act offences issued. Over the last four years (2013-2016), a total of 2,400 speeding offence notices have been issued.

“We are committed to working with our road safety partners to reduce collisions, deaths and injuries on our roadways,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development and Communications and Chief Administrative Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“The month of September is particularly important as thousands of students return to school after summer vacation; meaning more pedestrians and cyclists, particularly school zones. By combining public awareness with enhanced police enforcement, along with our support for the school patrol program, our goal is to remind motorists of the need to slow down in designated school zones and to encourage students to walk and cycle with caution to stay safe.”

A pedestrian’s odds of surviving a collision with a vehicle greatly improve as the vehicle’s speed is reduced. Studies show the chance of survival is about 75 per cent when the vehicle is travelling at a speed of 40 km/h; compared to only 15 per cent at 60 km/h.

SpeedWatch program

To assist with school zone safety and heighten awareness about vehicle speeds, Manitoba Public Insurance offers speed reader boards to community organizations and school parent advisory groups through its SpeedWatch program. School or parent groups can borrow the equipment to raise drivers’ awareness of their speed as they pass through school zones.

Those interested can call Manitoba Public Insurance’s SpeedWatch coordinator at 204-985–8737 or 1–888–767–7640 (toll-free).

To avoid a collision, drivers, parents and pedestrians are encouraged to observe the following 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 and Children:

• 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.
• 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.

Note: This offer expired July 31, 2018.

CAA Manitoba and Manitoba Public Insurance announced today that CAA will give free one-year memberships to graduates of the High School Driver Education program, administered by the Crown public insurer.

Beginning today, every student who successfully completes all phases of the program can enrol online for a new category of membership created especially for graduates. It includes one emergency road service call with a tow of up to 160 kilometres, plus all the exclusive CAA Rewards partner savings, travel discounts and other perks of a CAA Classic membership.

“Graduating from the High School Driver Education program is the best way for young drivers to learn safe driving habits,” said Mike Mager, President of CAA Manitoba. “Better trained drivers means safer roads for everyone. That’s why we’re honoured to provide this incentive to help encourage students to complete the program.”

Mager said the first step to driving safely is being prepared. With a CAA Manitoba membership, novice drivers and their parents can feel protected with the peace-of-mind that they’re covered if a problem occurs, so they can focus on the road rather than worrying about what do in the event of a stall or flat tire.

Ward Keith, Vice-President, Business Development & Communications, and Chief Administrative Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance believes the CAA membership is a perfect graduation reward for students.

“The purpose of the driver education program is to teach and instill good driving habits early on, and this roadside assistance offer truly complements the skills students learn in class and behind the wheel,” Keith said. “Manitoba Public Insurance is proud to partner with CAA Manitoba on this initiative that demonstrates how road safety partners can work together creatively to make our roads safer for everyone.”

Harvest season is upon us and large agricultural equipment will be traveling on public roads.

“It’s important that both producers and motorists do their part to stay safe on the road,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development and Communications and Chief Administrative Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Farm equipment is large and slow moving. Producers need to ensure their equipment is properly lit when traveling on the roadway and motorists need to fully aware of their surroundings ─ particularly in rural areas where harvesting is now taking place.”

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

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.

“Both farmers and motorists have a responsibility to ensure our highways stay safe,” said Dan Mazier, President of Keystone Agricultural Producers. “That means well-marked equipment on the part of farmers, and approaching farm equipment with caution on the part of motorists.”

While farm machinery needs to be clearly marked, all road users have a responsibility to safely share the road, said Keith. Farm equipment has a maximum speed of 40 km/h so it’s easy for vehicles to approach it much quicker than they anticipate.

“Motorists can also do their part by keeping a safe distance from the larger machines and recognizing their slower speeds, said Keith. “Motorists should be patient when they come upon farm equipment and only pass when it’s safe to do so. We should all share the road safely and respectfully.”

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.

“In light of 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 Ward Keith, Vice President, Business Development & Communications and Chief Administrative Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“It’s always important for consumers to do their homework prior to making a used vehicle purchase, but this is particularly the case when buying vehicles that may have been damaged in flooding that ravaged areas of Texas and Florida this past summer,” added Keith. “It’s estimated that more than one million vehicles were flooded or heavily damaged due to hurricanes Harvey and Irma.”

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 mould 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.

Even if a vehicle is not branded as a flood-damaged vehicle, this doesn’t necessarily mean it did not suffer water damage as in some cases, vehicle damages may not have been reported through vehicle insurers.

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

• 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.

With treats on their minds, tens of thousands of Manitoba youngsters will head out into their neighbourhoods on Halloween. With this increased activity comes an increased danger for both pedestrians and motorists.

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.

In efforts to increase pedestrians’ visibility for motorists, Manitoba Public Insurance recently distributed 117,000 reflective bags to 568 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 ghouls and goblins safe while collecting their treats.

“These bags are highly visible at night. At the end of the evening, it’s our hope that the bags will be full of treats and more importantly, that every child returns home safely,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and CAO, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Reducing fatalities and injuries, especially on high-traffic nights like Halloween, remains a priority of Manitoba’s public auto insurer but we all have a role to play.”

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 more than 1,600 collisions yearly, based on statistics collected from 2012 to 2016.

Of note, the city of Winnipeg dropped one level to No. 5 on the list of top vehicle-deer collision regions in the province, which is released annually by Manitoba’s public auto insurer.

“By releasing this data annually, our intention is to raise motorists’ awareness about the potential dangers of vehicle-wildlife collisions, particularly during the fall season when deer are most active along roadways,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and CAO, Manitoba Public Insurance.

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

In rural Manitoba, signs will be placed next month near Bird’s Hill, Riding Mountain National Park and Carman, warning drivers of the potential danger of collision with wildlife and encouraging safe speeds, particularly between dusk and dawn. A total of eight locations on the outskirts of Winnipeg have been identified, in addition to six hotspot locations within Winnipeg.

On average, about 350 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 about 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 – 1,630 yearly collisions
2. Westman – 1,455 yearly collisions
3. Interlake – 1,115 yearly collisions
4. Pembina Valley – 630 yearly collisions
5. City of Winnipeg – 625 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.

Environment Canada has issued special weather statements for regions across southern Manitoba and up into the Interlake and western regions and Manitoba Public Insurance is reminding motorists to drive to road conditions.

A low-pressure system is expected to pass through the province from west to east tonight and into Thursday. Weather reports indicate rain will quickly change to snow, with two to four centimetres expected. While the snow is falling, winds will pick up with gusts reaching between 90 and 95 km/h.

It’s important to remember that speed limits are set for “ideal” road conditions. Drivers are reminded to slow down and adjust when weather makes roads treacherous.

Safety Tips

• 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.

Manitoba Public Insurance’s new centre for automotive research and training ─ located at the J.W. Zacharias Physical Damage Research Centre in Winnipeg ─ has been officially certified by Certified Collision Care which has strategic partnerships with Fiat Chrysler Canada, Ford Motor Company of Canada and Nissan Canada for OEM Certification.

“This certification ensures proper and safe repair is being conducted to manufacturer’s specifications within our new facility,” said Ward Keith, vice-president Business Development & Communications and CAO of Manitoba Public Insurance. “Certification of our new physical damage and research centre validates our commitment to Manitoba’s collision repair industry.”

To become Certified, Manitoba Public Insurance passed the rigorous Certification process essential to help ensure a proper and safe repair of the new generation of advanced vehicles. Less than five per cent of collision repair facilities in Canada are able to meet the stringent requirements to become officially Certified and recognized.

The Certified network is made up exclusively of best-in-class collision repair businesses that have met, or exceeded, the stringent requirements of the Certification program.

”We are very pleased that Manitoba Public Insurance has achieved Certification by Certified Collision Care, and meets the OEM Certification criteria for Fiat Chrysler, Nissan and Ford”, said Leanne Jefferies, VP Canadian Operations for Assured Performance.

“The Certification criteria is based upon auto manufacturer requirements. These are critical to ensure the vehicle fit, finish, durability, value and safety following a collision. As new model vehicles are being introduced that use light-weight, high-strength materials and advanced technology, a proper repair according to manufacturer specification is even more important than ever to ensure the passenger safety and proper performance of the vehicle.”

About Certified Collision Care™

Certified Collision Care™ is the Canadian division of Assured Performance, a non-profit consumer advocacy organization specializing in the automotive collision repair market segment. The Certified Collision Care program provides all qualified collision repairers the opportunity to attain multiple OEM Certifications in Canada within a single program, audit process and cost. In order to qualify, repairers must have the proper tools, equipment, training and facilities required to repair vehicles to OEM specifications and ensure a vehicle’s fit, finish, durability, functionality, value, and safety are preserved.

Manitoba Public Insurance continues to keep pace with rapid changes in the design, construction, technology and reparability of motor vehicles with the opening of its new, state-of-the-art centre for automotive research and training at the J.W. Zacharias Physical Damage Research Centre in Winnipeg, Crown Services Minister Cliff Cullen announced today.

“Changes in how vehicles are manufactured are having a significant impact on the reparability of new vehicles,” said Cullen. “The opening of this new research and training facility will benefit vehicle owners and Manitoba’s collision repair industry by ensuring that when vehicles are involved in collisions, they will be properly repaired back to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards.”

The new research and training centre – located in the J. W. Zacharias Physical Damage Research Centre in Winnipeg – will enable qualified technicians to work in collaboration with Manitoba’s repair industry, as it adapts repair methods related to vehicles now being constructed of complex materials, including aluminum, carbon fibre, high strength and ultra, high-strength steels.

Training and research centre technicians will work closely with Manitoba’s repair industry and Red River College to offer access to training on new and emerging vehicle repair techniques and equipment, resulting in significant savings for local collision repair shops that would otherwise have to spend thousands of dollars to send their autobody technicians to out-of-province training sessions.

“Manitoba Public Insurance recognizes that the auto manufacturing industry is creating significant change for the collision repair industry and costs of repairs are increasing, which is why we are taking steps to save Manitobans money over the long-term,” said Manitoba Public Insurance President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Guimond.

“This facility and the staff within it will ensure that the auto body technicians in Manitoba remain highly skilled and able to respond to rapidly changing vehicle construction and repair techniques. It’s expected that by next year, half of the Manitoba fleet will represent vehicles with complex materials, many of which require specialized training, tooling, equipment and facilities to ensure these vehicles are repairs safely back to manufacturer standards.”

“Doing so ensures that if our customers are involved in subsequent collisions, they will never be put at risk to injury or death as a result of their vehicles not being repaired properly back to manufacturer standards. This also helps to ensure the value of a vehicle is not diminished as a result of being involved in a motor vehicle collision, thereby protecting the financial investments of our customers,” added Guimond.

Moving forward, Manitoba Public Insurance’s new centre for automotive research and training will host technical training courses for the collision repair community, in addition to offering tours to Manitoba high school students who may have an interest in becoming auto repair technicians. Manitoba Public Insurance will also leverage its relationships with other collision research facilities around the world to investigate new and cost-effective vehicle repair techniques, tools and equipment for use by Manitoba collision repair shops.

New centre for automotive research and training site of global conference

Delegates from around the world will be converging in Winnipeg this week for the 2017 Research Council for Automotive Repair (RCAR) Conference.

“As the only Canadian member of RCAR, Manitoba Public Insurance is proud to host this distinguished international forum,” said Guimond. “This conference is specifically designed to facilitate the exchange of information on research findings and strategies for implementation of cutting-edge research in automotive technology. There is no better location than our new training and research centre to host this important conference.”

RCAR is an international body of automotive research centres, whose primary goal is to reduce the human and economic costs of motor vehicle losses. This is done through research into improved vehicle damage resistance, reparability, security, and safety – all of which impact the cost of insuring and repairing motor vehicles. RCAR has members, spanning 20 countries and five continents: Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and Australia.

A highlight of this year’s RCAR conference is a Vehicle Technology Showcase, featuring exhibitors many of Canada’s automakers. The showcase will focus on emerging technologies, including the latest trends in electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and vehicles featuring the latest in complex materials. The 2017 Showcase will also feature classic and collector vehicles, supplied by members of the Manitoba Association of Auto Clubs and Manitoba Classic and Antique Auto Club, to demonstrate the significance of changes to vehicle design, construction, automation, and reparability over time.