Category: Uncategorized

Convenience, privacy and security – proposed features of combined driver’s licence, photo ID, health and travel card

Manitobans are being invited to share their views on a proposed all-in-one Personal Identification Card (PIC) that, if approved, would offer added convenience, privacy and security by combining a person’s driver’s licence, photo ID, health and travel card.

The PIC, a joint proposal by Manitoba Health, Healthy Living and Seniors and Manitoba Public Insurance, could eventually eliminate the paper Manitoba Health card by placing an individual’s Personal Health I.D. No. (PHIN) on the security enhanced, tamper-free PIC.

“Families access the health services they need through their PHINs so moving them onto secure, durable cards has many potential benefits,” said Health Minister Sharon Blady. “However, we also recognize that this proposal may affect different Manitobans in different ways so we need to hear from those who access and provide health services in our province before we choose a path forward.”

In addition to seeking input from individual members of the public, consultation will take place with numerous groups that may have unique perspectives on this proposal, including First Nations and Metis organizations and communities, Manitobans with disabilities, seniors, vulnerable Manitobans, health care providers and the Manitoba Ombudsman. “The ultimate goal of the PIC is to better protect Manitobans against identity theft, forgery and fraud while ensuring that private information stays confidential,” said Manitoba Public Insurance President and CEO, Dan Guimond. “Another key benefit is that the proposal would make it easier for low income and homeless Manitobans to gain free access to proper identification.”

For Manitobans who drive, the new all-in-one PIC would offer:

• A combined driver’s licence, photo ID, health and travel card;

For non-drivers, the new all-in-one PIC would offer:

• A combined photo ID, health and travel card.

“Maintaining access to health services and ensuring confidential health information remains private will be a central focus as we continue to explore this concept,” said Blady.

“Consulting with the public prior to proceeding with an initiative is an important part of our mandate,” said Guimond. “We hope Manitobans will take the time to share their views as we move through this process so that we can fully address any issues that are identified.”

Manitobans are invited to review a discussion paper on the topic and complete an online survey by visiting mpi.mb.ca/consultations.

Manitoba Public Insurance representatives will also be available to discuss the concept throughout September at information displays in the following shopping malls:

Winnipeg: Portage Place Mall, September 10 (10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Winnipeg: Polo Park Shopping Centre, September 12 (9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Winnipeg: Kildonan Place Shopping Centre, September 18 (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

Winnipeg: St. Vital Shopping Centre, September 19 (9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Opaskwayak Cree Nation: Otineka Mall, September 14 (10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

Thompson: City Centre Mall, September 15 (9:30 am to 3:30 p.m.)

Brandon: Shopper’s Mall, September 16 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Steinbach: Clearspring Centre, September 17 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Winkler: Southland Mall, September 18 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Portage la Prairie: Portage la Prairie Mall, September 21 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Dauphin: Marketplace Mall, September 22 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

In addition to being available online at mpi.mb.ca, the discussion paper can be obtained by calling 204-985-7000, toll-free 1-800-665-2410, TTY/TTD 204-985-8832. Manitobans can also provide written comments on the personal identification card by email to [email protected] or by regular post.

─30─

Contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations

204-985-7300 or 1-888-554-9549 (toll-free)

In the wake of two pedestrians killed recently in Winnipeg, Manitoba Public Insurance and the Winnipeg Police Service are calling on all motorists and pedestrians to be road-safety minded.

“On average, 14 pedestrians are fatally injured in motor vehicle collisions annually in Manitoba and the tragic events of this week highlight the importance of pedestrian safety,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and chief product officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

Nearly 50 per cent of all fatal pedestrian incidents occur when the pedestrian is crossing at an intersection, according to Manitoba Public Insurance claims data.

“Traffic safety is a two way street. Pedestrians and motorists must respect each other’s presence on the roadway,” said Staff Sgt. Rob Riffel of the Winnipeg Police Service. “Being aware of your surroundings is critical for everyone’s safety.”

Safety tips for pedestrians:

• Cross intersections defensively. Always watch for turning vehicles. You have the legal right to be there, but that doesn’t protect you from the carelessness of some motorists.
• When crossing the street, regardless of the availability of signals, cross as quickly as possible. Minimize your time in the roadway.
• No matter what age you are, it is important to stop at the curb and look left, right and left again before stepping into the street, even when the light is green and the signal indicates to walk.

Safety tips for motorists:

• Approach intersections with caution and scan carefully to look out for pedestrians.
• Make sure your windshield is clean inside and out as night-time glare can make visibility difficult. Visibility can be drastically reduced due to dirt on the inside of a windshield too. When confronted with oncoming headlights, dirt on the inside will have the same effect as fog or frost.
• Slow down when it is raining – when it’s dark and wet it’s even harder to see pedestrians. Driving slower will give you more time to see them.

Additional information about pedestrian safety can be found on MPI’s website:

With the August long weekend fast approaching, Manitoba Public Insurance is encouraging all motorists to remember road safety ─ especially on Friday.

Nearly 40 per cent of all holiday long weekend road deaths and injuries occur on the Friday, according to claims data collected by Manitoba’s public auto insurer. On average, one person is killed and close to 30 others are injured over a long-weekend holiday. Conversely, Sunday and Monday have the smallest proportion of victims per day, according to claims data collected between 2008 to 2013.

“The statistics confirm that road safety needs to be a priority as we head into this August long weekend,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and chief product officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“On the Friday of the long weekend in particular, traffic volumes typically increase on roadways leading out of Winnipeg as people head to cottage country. Safety must be a priority,” said Keith.

Top Five Road Safety Tips:

• Don’t text and drive. It’s against the law and now results in five demerits on the Driver Safety Rating scale. One in four fatal crashes in Manitoba is related to distracted driving.
• Alcohol and driving is a deadly mix. One in four fatal accidents in this province is alcohol-related.
• Buckle up. People not using their seatbelts are 30 times more likely to be killed and five times more likely to be seriously injured in a collision than people using their seatbelts.
• Don’t speed. Speeding at-fault drivers are responsible for an average of 22 fatal and 400 injury crashes each year.
• 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.

Manitoba Public Insurance reported a net income of $23.0 million for the three months of its fiscal year ending May 31, 2015 – an increase of nearly $10 million over the same time period last year. This includes net income to the Basic insurance line of business of $19.8 million in the first three months of the 2015/16 fiscal year.

Total earned revenues for the first three months rose by $15.9 million from the same period last year, driven mainly by increases in motor vehicle premium revenue due to an increase in the volume of motor vehicles insured and a 3.4% overall premium increase approved by the Public Utilities Board for current year.

“The overall financial picture was also buoyed by a decrease of $49.6 million in total claims costs – including a 66.7 per cent drop in bodily injury claims costs and a six per cent decrease in physical damage claims costs compared to the first three months of 2014,” said Heather Reichert, vice-president, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“The Corporation is committed to fiscal responsibility and rate stability,” said Reichert. “We’re optimistic that by continuing to work with Manitobans to reduce risk on the road, the positive results experienced in the first quarter can be maintained over the remaining three quarters of the fiscal year.”

In June 2015, Manitoba Public Insurance applied to the Public Utilities Board for no overall increase in Basic insurance premiums for the 2016/17 insurance year. The requirement for no overall premium is possible because of the 3.4% rate increase approved by the PUB for the current year, combined with normal levels of claims costs being forecasted, and the Corporation’s ongoing efforts to control operating costs.

Since the launch of RoadWatch 2015 in May, nearly 13,000 vehicles have been screened in roadside police checks, according to Manitoba Public Insurance. As a result of those roadside checks, 27 impaired drivers have been removed from Manitoba roadways.

In its first five weeks of operation, Manitoba’s nine police agencies participating in RoadWatch 2015 have conducted 27 roadside check stop campaigns. In addition to removing impaired drivers from the roads, nearly 400 offence notices for Highway Traffic Act violations have been issued including offences for speeding, cell phone use and non-use of seatbelts.

“Manitobans have told us these high-visibility roadside checks contribute to road safety by sending a very clear warning that drivers who make the choice to drive impaired or commit other high-risk driving offences risk being apprehended by police,” said Ward Keith, acting Vice President, Business Development & Communications and Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

Now in its 17th year, RoadWatch is a Manitoba Public Insurance sponsored program aimed specifically at drivers who make the choice to drive after consuming alcohol or drugs. This year, Manitoba’s public auto insurer has partnered with nine police agencies (Winnipeg, RCMP, Brandon, Morden, Winkler, Altona, Dakota, Rivers and Ste. Anne) to conduct additional impaired driving roadside checks through the summer months and until the end of November.

“Manitoba Public Insurance is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to eliminate alcohol and drug-related deaths and injuries,” said Keith. “While fatalities and serious injuries related to impaired driving have been steadily declining over the past 10 years, we still lose far too many Manitobans in impaired driving crashes every single year.”

Who is driving impaired?

• Young males make up the majority of those involved in impaired collisions ─ male drivers are involved in three out of four impaired driving collisions. Police data reports that male drivers make up 77 per cent of total drivers charged with impaired driving compared to 23 per cent for females.
• Younger drivers (both male and female) are involved more often in impaired collisions. As driver age increases, the instances of impaired driving collisions decrease for both sexes but more rapidly for females.
• About one in three Manitoba road fatalities involve an impaired driver.

Nearly 400,000 passenger vehicles will experience a rate decrease

Manitoba Public Insurance has requested no overall rate increase for the 2016/17 insurance year in its general rate application filed today with the Public Utilities Board. If approved, this would be the 12th time in 15 years that Manitoba’s public auto insurer has not requested a rate increase.

“With the PUB’s approval of last year’s rate application, we were able to apply to hold the line on rates this year.” Dan Guimond, President and Chief Executive Officer of Manitoba Public Insurance said today. “This rate application confirms the strength of the public auto insurance system.”

Guimond explained that last year’s rate application approved by the PUB (3.4 per cent overall increase) helped to ease the deficiency in premiums that was being experienced by the Corporation. Normal levels of claims costs being forecasted and the Corporation’s ongoing efforts to control operating costs, has resulted in not requiring a rate increase for 2016/17.

The Corporation’s financial strength has been further stabilized with the transfer of $75.5 million to the Basic rate stabilization reserve from non-Basic lines of business.

“Our Corporation is committed to rate stability and predictability for our customers,” said Guimond. “Over the last five years, the yearly average rate change for a passenger vehicle has been about minus one per cent. The Corporation will continue to move forward in customer service and cost efficiencies.”

While the Corporation has requested no overall rate increase, the rates individuals pay for Basic Autopac will be determined by their driving record, the kind of vehicle (make, model and year) they drive, what the vehicle is used for and where they live. In any given year, an individual’s premium may be adjusted based on the actual claims experience associated with these rating factors.

If the application is approved by the Public Utilities Board, 547,032 vehicles receive reductions in their Basic premium next year, while another 78,442 vehicles will remain the same.

Major Use	Applied for Rate Changes
Private passenger	-0.10%
Commercial	2.50%
Public	6.26%
Motorcycles	-7.63%
Trailers	-3.82%
Off Road Vehicles	0.00%
Overall (applied for)	0.00%

The proposed rates will be effective March 1, 2016 but because renewal dates are staggered, some vehicle owners wouldn’t pay the new rates until February 28, 2017.

Motorcycle Rates

The Corporation has requested a 7.63 per cent overall average decrease to motorcycle rates (including moped and motor scooters). If approved, 95 per cent of motorcycles will receive a decrease in rate, while 5 per cent will increase. In total, 14,062 motorcycle owners will receive a decrease in their premium. The majority of those owners are registered in Winnipeg and central and western Manitoba.

Mopeds and small-engine displacement motor scooters (2,729 units) will experience an average rate decrease of $12 to $310 per year, down from $322.

“Over the last five years, motorcycle rates have decreased overall by 28 per cent,” said Guimond. “The Corporation will continue to work with the Coalition of Manitoba Motorcycle Groups relating to both safety and rates.”

Annual Report

Manitoba Public Insurance also released its 2014 Annual Report this week. The report demonstrates the company’s current financial strength and ability to continue to deliver the value Manitobans expect.

Manitoba Public Insurance reported net income from operations of $57.6 million. Investment income of $226.1 million was a significant contributor to the overall positive corporate results. The Basic plan also surpassed its goals by providing claimants with $1.09 in benefits for every $1 in premium – significantly better than the national average.

In addition to positive financial outcomes for the 2014 fiscal year, Manitoba Public Insurance also met or exceeded corporate-wide customer service standards 96 per cent of the time.

Last year, Manitobans filed an average of 1,102 claims every working day. This represents about $2.7 million in claims every working day.

Additional Information

• Canadian Rate Comparison chart
• History of Rebates and Rate Changes
• History of Rate Changes: 2005-present
• Passenger Vehicle Average Premium Growth (Statistics Canada): 1998-present
• 2014 Annual Report
• 2014 Annual Financial Statement

Manitoba Public Insurance is once again sponsoring the highly successful RoadWatch program, with this year’s announcement coinciding with Canada Road Safety Week (May 12-18).

Now in its 17th year, RoadWatch begins again this Victoria Day long weekend. Manitoba’s public auto insurer will provide funding to nine police agencies (Winnipeg, RCMP, Brandon, Morden, Winkler, Altona, Dakota, Rivers and Ste. Anne) to conduct additional impaired driving roadside checks until the end of November.

“Manitoba Public Insurance is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to eliminate alcohol-related deaths and injuries,” said Ward Keith, acting Vice President, Business Development & Communications and Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance. “While fatalities and serious injuries related to impaired driving have been declining steadily over the past 10 years, we still lose far too many Manitobans in impaired driving crashes every single year.”

Nearly 1,300 impaired drivers have been removed from Manitoba roads over the past five years as part of the program – including more than 300 last year. With road safety at the forefront, the launch of this year’s RoadWatch aligns with Canada Road Safety Week, a national weeklong effort to raise awareness about safe driving habits that runs from May 12-18.

“By combining visible enforcement with public education, we are optimistic that Manitobans will think twice before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking,” said Keith.

Keeping impaired drivers off Manitoba roads benefits is also a priority of law enforcement.

“With the spring and summer seasons upon us, more cars are on the road,” said Inspector Joanne Keeping, Officer in Charge of Traffic Services with the RCMP and Chair of the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Committee.

“It is essential for law enforcement and our road safety partners to work together to deter, reduce and prevent dangerous driving on Manitoba roadways. We are always working towards zero fatalities on the road, and high visibility RoadWatch Checkstops are one more way we are doing this.”

RoadWatch quick facts:

• Last year’s RoadWatch program featured 99 road-side checks resulting in 73,000 vehicles being screened
• In addition to impaired driving offences, more than 1,700 Highway Traffic Act offence notices were issued for a variety of offenses, including suspended drivers, speeding, texting while driving and non-seatbelt use.

Who is driving impaired?

• Young males make up the majority of those involved in impaired collisions ─ male drivers are involved in three out of four impaired driving collisions. Police data reports that male drivers make up 77 per cent of total drivers charged with impaired driving compared to 23 per cent for females.
• Younger drivers (both male and female) are involved more often in impaired collisions. As driver age increases, the instances of impaired driving collisions decrease for both sexes but more rapidly for females.
• About one in three Manitoba road fatalities involve an impaired driver.

Manitoba motorcycle owners will have more options when they purchase insurance, Manitoba Public Insurance announced today.

“We are committed to working positively with the motorcycle community,” said Ward Keith, acting Vice-President, Business Development, Communications & Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Given the increase in the number of registered motorcycles and mopeds, and ongoing dialogue with motorcyclists through the Coalition of Manitoba Motorcycle Groups, (CMMG), the Corporation initiated these new products to address the insurance needs of the motorcycle community in Manitoba.

“The new products will provide motorcycle owners with greater peace of mind and added convenience in the event of a collision. This is a positive step forward for motorcycle owners in our province.”

Available Monday, May 4, motorcycle owners will be able to purchase the following new products from their Autopac agent:

• Rental Vehicle Insurance
• Extension Loss of Use
• Excess Value Coverage
• New and Leased Vehicle Protection Extension Insurance

CMMG President Brian Segal said today’s announcement is a positive step forward for all motorcycle owners. “Our advocacy efforts are once again showing results,” said Segal. “Motorcyclists will now have extension insurance products on par with those of automobiles. CMMG is pleased to have been instrumental in making them available for motorcyclists.”

Manitoba Public Insurance and eight police agencies across the province are partnering in a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) aimed at drivers who continue to use hand-held electronic devices.

The enforcement campaign ─ which begins immediately ─ is a joint initiative between Manitoba Public Insurance, the RCMP and police services in Winnipeg, Brandon, Winkler, Morden, Rivers, Altona and Dakota Ojibway.

“These dedicated, enforcement projects send a powerful message to drivers that high-risk behavior while driving is not acceptable or tolerated,” said James Allum, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Everyone is entitled to safety on our roadways. Our police partners will be doing their part to ensure this occurs and the Manitoba government will continue to focus on education and enforcement efforts designed to make our roads safer.”

Three previous initiatives resulted in more than 5,000 distracted driving Provincial Offence Notices being issued to motorists who were observed using a hand-held electronic device while driving.

“The success of previous STEPs reinforces the importance of continuing these enforcement campaigns, which specifically target drivers who continue to use hand-held electronic devices,” said Ward Keith, interim Vice President, Business Development and Communications and Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Our corporation has provided funding which will allow for additional enforcement to help reduce a very dangerous driving behaviour. Preventing fatalities on our roadways is accomplished by the proactive combination of education, awareness and law enforcement. Statistics show that, while there is still plenty of work to be done, positive steps continue to be made.”

Distracted driving remains a concern for all road safety authorities. On average, one in four road deaths in Manitoba are attributed to distracted driving.

The illegal use of hand-held electronic devices while driving is dangerous and completely unacceptable at all times, said Winnipeg Police Service Chief Devon Clunis, who is also president of the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP).

“The MACP is pleased to be partnering with Manitoba Public Insurance to reduce the number of collisions and deaths caused by distracted drivers,” said Clunis. “Front-line officers will be sending the strong message that distracted driving is not acceptable.”

Drivers caught using a hand-operated electronic device (including cell phones) will receive a $200 ticket, in addition to moving down two levels on their Driver Safety Rating.

With an eye towards road safety, nearly 30,000 Manitobans have signed up for the province’s new winter tire low-interest financing program, Justice Minister James Allum and Manitoba Public Insurance announced today.

“The overwhelming positive response confirms that Manitoba drivers make their road safety a priority,” said Minister Allum, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance. “This low-interest winter tire financing program allowed Manitobans to equip their vehicles with snow tires, which offer a number of safety advantages.”

The low-interest winter tire program was first introduced by the Government of Manitoba last fall and administrated by Manitoba Public Insurance.

“This was a pilot project which will be reviewed over the next few months to determine whether it will move forward,” said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“From a road safety perspective, winter tires are very effective in reducing braking distances by lessening sliding on ice and snow. This action could prevent a collision.”

Quick Facts:

• The average length of a winter tire loan was 2.99 years.
• The average purchase was $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-seasons.
• Winter tires offer significantly better traction on snow-covered or icy road surfaces at temperatures well below -30°C than an all-season tire has at 4°C.

Collision data collected from 2014 showed there was a 20 per cent increase in collisions on Manitoba roadways following the spring daylight savings time change when compared to all other Mondays in 2014, according to Manitoba Public Insurance

“The data suggests there can be an affect on drivers when the clocks move forward one hour,” said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“On the Monday following DST, there were 300 collisions reported, compared to an average of 249 for all other Mondays that year. By raising awareness about this issue, we’re hoping motorists will take the proper steps to ensure they are fully rested and alert when behind the wheel.”

There are a number of medical studies which discuss the spring DST and its impact on motorists. The general belief is that by moving the clock ahead one hour, the body clock is disrupted. While people adjust differently to less sleep, some people feel the affects more than others.

Tips to make it easier to handle the hour change:

• Set your alarm to wake up a little earlier than usual on the Saturday and Sunday before the DST switch. This makes it easier to get out of bed on Monday morning.
• Eat a healthy breakfast first thing in the morning. Food also tells your body it is the start of the day.
• Spend time in well-lit rooms – or outside in sunlight – to help your body clock properly adjust.

Nearly 2,000 collision claims can be attributed to driving too fast for road conditions over an eight-week period from November to mid-January, according to Manitoba Public Insurance data.

“Many of these crashes could have been prevented,” said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance. “We want motorists to remember that speed limits are posted for driving under ideal conditions.

“During the winter months, when we experience frigid temperatures, heavy snow, slush and freezing rain, motorists need to make adjustments. That includes slowing down and driving to the conditions – which can be the difference between arriving at your destination safely and getting into a collision.”

During this recent eight-week period, 32,000 collision claims in total were opened at Manitoba Public Insurance. In order to raise awareness about driving to road conditions, Manitoba’s public auto insurer is once again airing its “Take It Slow” advertising campaign on TV, radio, outdoor billboards and online. Additional safety tips can be found on the public auto insurer’s website.

“Driving is an activity that requires a person’s full attention and total awareness,” said Kempe. “It is difficult under the best of conditions and even more challenging during the winter months, which is why we are imploring people to slow down and pay extra careful attention. Small changes can make a huge difference.”

Safety Tips

• Before you head out on the highway, check the Manitoba government’s provincial road conditions report online to confirm weather and road conditions. This can be accessed by calling 511 or online.
• Motorists should be extremely diligent when travelling on overpasses and bridges. The surfaces on these structures will freeze due to no ground insulation.
• Allow more time to stop. Traction is reduced when roads are slippery from rain and it takes more time to come to a complete stop.
• Leave more space. Leave at least four seconds between you and the vehicle ahead. That following distance should increase when you’re travelling at higher speeds or visibility is poor.

Manitoba Public Insurance completed the first nine months of the 2014 fiscal year with a net income of $55.1 million – a $9.4 million decrease over the same time period last year.

“It’s important to note that while the first three quarters of the Corporation’s fiscal year can be favourable, this situation can quickly reverse and be offset by an increase in claims and costs during the winter months,” said Heather Reichert, vice-president of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

Claims costs for the nine months increased by $30 million compared to last year. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $36 million in bodily injury claims incurred offset by a decrease of $5.9 million in physical damage. The increase in bodily injury claims is driven by lower interest rates on unpaid claims compared to the same period last year while the decrease in physical damage claims incurred is primarily due to the absence of severe winter driving conditions so far this year as compared to last year.

Total earned revenues for the nine months increased from the previous year by $37.7 million, primarily attributed to an increase in driver’s premiums earned of $5.0 million, an increase in motor vehicle earned revenues of $28.4 million, special risk extension premiums earned of $1.9 million and an increase in service fees of $2.4 million.

“The increase in premiums earned revenues is primarily due to the growth in the number of vehicles on the road in Manitoba,” noted Reichert. “The value of these vehicles and movement of drivers down the Drivers Safety Rating scale resulted in higher premiums.”

Nearly 200 passenger vehicles and pickup trucks were stolen last winter ─ December to January ─ due to keys left either in the ignition or elsewhere in the passenger compartment, according to Manitoba Public Insurance.

Manitoba’s public auto insurer, in partnership with CAA Manitoba, is raising awareness about this very preventable crime which can lead to a tragic outcome for innocent people.

“We see a definite trend that when the weather turns cold, people are more likely to leave their car running unattended with keys in the ignition,” said MaryAnn Kempe, Vice-President, Business Development, Communications & Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“For the three month period from December 2013 to February 2014, there were 269 thefts involving keys. Our analysis reported that 162 of these thefts ─ 60 per cent ─ involved keys left in the ignition, or somewhere within the vehicle.”

Since 2007, vehicles deemed to be ‘most-at-risk’ and registered in Winnipeg or used to commute into Winnipeg have had to be equipped with an approved immobilizer. Approved vehicle immobilizers are designed to prevent vehicles from being operated without vehicle keys and/or immobilizer key fobs. However these devices cannot protect vehicles from being stolen if the vehicle ignition is left running or the keys are not secured.

More than 98 percent of those ‘most-at-risk’ vehicles are now protected against theft through the installation of approved after-market immobilizers. Since 2007, all new vehicles manufactured for sale in Canada have required approved factory-installed immobilizers.

CAA Manitoba also wants to send the strong message that ignition keys should not be left in a vehicle for any reason. Excessive idling is not only costly in terms of fuel consumption, but also environmentally unfriendly.

“Even during extreme cold temperatures, a vehicle’s engine only needs a few minutes to warm up,” says Mike Mager, President and CEO of CAA Manitoba. “To reduce warm up time, plug in your vehicle when it’s colder than -18.”

Vehicles with keys in the ignition, or within the passenger compartment are quickly identified as prime targets by auto thieves.

“Auto theft is a crime of opportunity,” said Kempe. “By eliminating the opportunity, you eliminate the crime. An approved immobilizer is the most effective way of protecting a vehicle. The message is simple: protect your keys.”

Manitoba Public Insurance released its annual list of Top Five Frauds today, highlighted by a man who burned and destroyed his vehicle for no reason other than being “really mad”. This past year’s list also featured a vehicle theft that really wasn’t a theft and the intriguing claim for imaginary hail damage.

Fraudulent and suspicious claims are handled by Manitoba Public Insurance’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU). The efforts of this special unit resulted in fraud savings last year of $7.5 million for Manitoba auto insurance rate payers. The SIU will investigate about 3,000 claims yearly. Anyone knowing someone who is involved in 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:‘Mad at the World’

It was the temper tantrum to rival all temper tantrums. After completely losing control of his emotions, a Winnipeg man was left with a criminal record, $2,000 fine, permanent scars and a completely destroyed vehicle worth $40,000.

The man admitted he was “just mad at the world” when explaining why he destroyed his new pickup truck. With his temper burning red, the man consumed nearly 20 beers at a party with co-workers, who later drove the man home.

Upon returning home, the man was still fuming at the world and in front of his co-workers, poured a large amount of gasoline onto the front seat of his new truck. After waiting a few minutes, he then tossed in a match.

The deadly mixture of gasoline and oxygen resulted in a fiery explosion, burning the man on his chest and arms. The investigation quickly led to the vehicle owner and his co-workers, who originally all lied to police about the incident. However, the co-workers eventually confessed the truth, and police contacted MPI investigators.

The vehicle owner was later convicted of arson causing damage to his own property.

No. 2:‘The Theft that Wasn’t’

Whether it was sheer nerve, or a complete memory lapse, a man boldly opened a theft claim with Manitoba Public Insurance, stating his vehicle had been stolen in broad daylight from his driveway.

During the course of the subsequent investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle had not been stolen ─ it had been repossessed by a finance company after months of non-payment.

The embarrassed vehicle owner claimed he was unaware of being in arrears. The claim, which would have cost $11,000, was denied.

No. 3:‘A Hail of a Tall Tale’

Thanks to the keen eyes and expertise of an MPI estimator, a vehicle owner’s attempt to defraud the Corporation of nearly $10,000 (value of claim) was unsuccessful. The fraud began after the man opened a hail claim days after a hail storm swept through his community.

During a visual inspection of the badly damaged vehicle, it was quickly determined by the estimator that about half of the dents were not consistent with hail, but were manmade. A technician with MPI’s Research and Training Department, using industry approved techniques, would also confirm the damage was not caused by hail.

The man agreed to withdraw his claim after being told of the results of the fraudulent hail investigation.

No. 4:‘No work…..all fun’

A Winnipeg driver was fined $1,000 and agreed to repay $12,000 back to Manitoba Public Insurance after pleading guilty to Making a False Statement. All the result of an anonymous call to MPI’s TIPS Line.

The man was involved in a minor, single-vehicle collision ─ he told police at the scene that he was uninjured. However, only a few days later he opened an injury claim with Manitoba Public Insurance. He told his Manitoba Public Insurance case manager that he had regular bouts of dizziness, trouble walking and limited physical abilities. He was also seeing several doctors.

Soon after the crash he began receiving income replacement cheques from the Corporation.

A call to the Manitoba Public Insurance TIPS Line about the man resulted in the SIU opening an investigation, which quickly revealed the man was doing a variety of activities ─ snowmobiling, running, shovelling snow and working in his garage refurbishing a trailer. Based on this information the man was subsequently criminally charged.

No. 5:‘Sins of the son’

A Winnipeg man, who was driving his father’s vehicle, claimed he was doing the speed limit when he inexplicably lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a light standard.

Damage to the vehicle was nearly $20,000, in addition to costs associated with a destroyed city of Winnipeg light standard. During MPI’s investigation, it was learned that the driver was racing another vehicle at extremely high speeds, which ultimately caused the vehicle to crash.

After hearing the real facts, the father decided to withdraw the claim, while the son signed a Promissory Note to the City of Winnipeg for the damage to the light standard.

With the arrival of extreme cold temperatures, Manitoba Public Insurance is encouraging vehicle owners to inspect their extension cords. Each year in Manitoba about 1,000 vehicles are damaged by fire ─ and several dozen are the direct result of damaged extension cords or worn blockheater/in-car heater plugs.

A cracked extension cord or blockheater cord with a corroded plug can result in “electrical arcing” which can quickly spark a fire. The majority of these fires take place in winter.

During bitterly cold winter temperatures, Manitobans will plug in their vehicles to heat various engine fluids (anti-freeze/oil), allowing for easier starting. Extension cords which are cracked or have exposed wires should be replaced. Corrosion can be caused by exposure to moisture, dirt and road salts. With personal safety in mind, people are advised not to plug in their vehicles within a garage or any other enclosed structure.

Safety tips for extension cords/block heater plugs

• Don’t drive over your extension cord. This can cause cracking/breaking during bitterly cold weather.
• 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.
• Have your block heater cord inspected each fall by a qualified mechanic.

Fatality rates on Manitoba roadways have been steadily decreasing over the last two decades, Manitoba Public Insurance announced today ─ the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims in Canada.

According to data collected by Manitoba Public Insurance, there were 85 fatalities on public roads in 2013, which is a decline of 11.5 per cent from the 96 fatalities reported in 2012, and a decline of 9.6 per cent from the preceding five-year average (2008-2012).

Last year ─ 2013 ─ had the fewest auto-collision fatalities (85) in the last 20 years. For the last five years (2009-2013), the fatality rate was 1.1 (per 10,000 drivers) compared to a fatality rate of 1.5 in the five years previous (2004-2008). This year there have been 59 fatalities as of the end of October.

“One fatality is too many and there are real people behind these numbers,” said MaryAnn Kempe, Vice-President, Business Development, Communications & Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“But these statistics show that Manitoba is moving in right direction with respect to road safety. Manitoba Public Insurance and other like-minded agencies continue to raise awareness, educate motorists and provide unique programs designed specifically towards loss prevention.”

About National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims

The National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims in Canada is a day set aside to remember those killed or seriously injured on Canadian roads, often in avoidable collisions, and those left to deal with the sudden and unexpected loss of people they love.

Manitoba Public Insurance and its road safety partners are committed to encouraging safe driving behaviour with the ultimate goal of reducing fatalities and serious injuries. The public auto insurer is an active member of the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA), which is spearheading today’s seventh annual National Day of Remembrance for road crash victims.

With winter settling in and driving conditions deteriorating, Manitobans are invited to apply for the new winter tire low-interest financing program. Since being launched this fall, more than 10,000 people have already signed up, Justice Minister James Allum and Manitoba Public Insurance announced today.

“Driving on ice and snow can be dangerous but proper winter tires can vastly increase control and safety,” said Minister Allum, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance. “The low-interest winter tire financing program helps all Manitobans purchase snow tires and give their families added protection when on the roads.”

With winter road conditions making driving challenging, even more vehicle owners are expected to take advantage of the accident prevention program, which was introduced by the Government of Manitoba this year, Minister Allum said.

The program, which is administered by Manitoba’s public auto insurer, provides loans of up to 48 months at prime plus two per cent up to $2,000 per vehicle.

“Even if you’re the safest driver in the world, snow and ice-covered roads can still give you problems,” said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance. “Winter tires reduce braking distances by lessening sliding on ice and snow. This action could prevent a collision.”

• Winter tires significantly reduce braking stopping distances on all cold-weather road surfaces.
• 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-seasons.
• Winter tires offer significantly better traction on snow-covered or icy road surfaces at temperatures well below -30°C than an all-season tire has at 4°C.

Customers interested in participating in the program are encouraged to visit Manitoba Public Insurance’s website which outlines who qualifies and other business rules relating to the program.

“We have tried to make the application process as convenient and easy as possible,” said Kempe. “It’s encouraging to see Manitobans take full advantage of this road-safety initiative.”

Thousands of teenagers across the province will hear about the deadly consequences of impaired driving this month thanks to the return of Manitoba Public Insurance’s popular ‘Friends for Life’ speaker series.

The series features three speakers touring more than 50 schools during the month of November to give students a first-hand account of how their lives were forever changed due to impaired driving. A special ‘Friends for Life’event was held today at Miles Macdonell Collegiate in Winnipeg.

“From 2008 to 2012, impaired driving killed an average of 29 people each year on Manitoba roads,” said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“That’s one death every 12 days all because someone, somewhere, made the decision to get behind the wheel of a car while impaired. The ‘Friends for Life’ series uses eye-opening, real life stories to educate students about the consequences of this dangerous and deadly activity.”

Manitoba Public Insurance statistics show that youth aged 16 to 19 are nearly four times more likely to have been involved in a collision while impaired compared to drivers aged 25 and older.

“Many of these crashes can be avoided,” added Kempe. “Making good decisions about not getting behind the wheel after drinking or accepting a ride from someone who is impaired can literally be the difference between life and death.”

The speaker series is brought to students in partnership with the Manitoba School Board Association (MSBA) and Teens Against Drinking and Driving (TADD) and features a trio of powerful speakers in Greg Drew, Brent Thiebert and Kevin Brooks.

Tens of thousands of Manitoba children will dress up in their best Halloween costume and set out in search of treats. Manitoba’s public auto insurer wants to make sure every single one of them gets home safely.

Top 5 Do’s and Don’ts for Halloween trick or treaters and motorists:

• Don’t run across roads without looking ─ stop, look and listen.
• Do wear reflective clothing to be seen by vehicles.
• Do cross at corners and crosswalks ─ not between parked cars.
• Don’t speed ─ motorists should slow down when they see children out walking.
• Don’t assume children see your vehicle. They are excited and could run in front of you.

With dusk coming sooner in the fall, motorists are urged to drive with an abundance of caution as the trick-or-treaters are out in full force.

In efforts to keep this a safe and happy Halloween, Manitoba Public Insurance has distributed more than 100,000 safety Halloween bags to schools province-wide. These bags have special, light-reflecting strips, making them clearly visible in the dark.