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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.

The Eastman Region ─ which includes communities Steinbach, Lac du Bonnet, Anola, Birds Hill Park area and Falcon Lake ─ is the province’s No. 1 area for vehicle-deer collisions. There are about 1,600 collisions yearly within this region, based on statistics collected by Manitoba Public Insurance from 2007 to 2013.

Motorists are encouraged to exercise extra care and caution during October and November ─ the two worst months for deer-vehicle collisions.

Rounding out the province’s Top 5 deer/vehicle collision regions:

• 1) Eastman Region, 1,600 yearly collisions
• 2) Westman, 1,500 yearly collisions
• 3) Interlake, 1,100 yearly collisions
• 4) Pembina Valley, 600 yearly collisions
• 5) City of Winnipeg, 600 yearly collisions

Overall, there are about 11,000 vehicle/wildlife collisions yearly in Manitoba. Collisions are most common during September to December. This four month period accounts for almost half (46 per cent) of the annual wildlife-related collisions.

November is the worst month for wildlife/vehicle collisions (1,600), followed by October (1,400).

Last year in Manitoba, 300 people were injured in wildlife-related collisions, according to Manitoba Public Insurance claims data. Over the last 10 years, seven people in Manitoba have been killed in crashes caused by an animal on a road.

Manitoba Public Insurance completed the first six months of the 2014 fiscal year with a net income of $37.6 million – a $4.3 million decrease over the same time period last year.

“It’s important to note that while the first two 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 six months increased by $34.7 million compared to last year. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $9.1 million in physical damage and $26.3 million in bodily injury claims incurred, offset by a decrease in claims expense. The increase in physical damage claims incurred is primarily due to severe winter driving conditions and greater severity of claims, and the increase in bodily injury claims is driven by changes to interest rates on unpaid claims, compared to the same period last year.

Total earned revenues for the six months increased from the previous year by $23.7 million, primarily attributed to an increase in driver’s premiums earned of $3.8 million, an increase in motor vehicle earned revenues of $17.6 million, special risk extension premiums earned of $1.2 million and an increase in service fees of $1.1 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.”

The former President & CEO of Manitoba Public Insurance has returned the portion of money received from a transitional contract she had entered into with Manitoba Public Insurance earlier this year.

Today, Marilyn McLaren returned $27,300 back to Manitoba’s public auto insurer. Ms. McLaren, who had served as president/CEO for nearly a decade, was originally contracted to provide assistance during the transition period to the Corporation.

The total amount of the contract was $50,000. Earlier this week Ms. McLaren terminated the contract.

Manitoba Public Insurance is warning its customers not to respond to a customer survey they may view in a pop-up window within their Internet browser.

“This is an adware-generated survey and has no association with our company,” said MaryAnn Kempe, Vice-President, Business Development, Communications & Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“We became aware of this advertisement after being contacted by people who have viewed the pop-up in their browser. Customers should not respond to this survey. Nor should they ever share personal information. The Corporation does conduct customer-satisfaction polling, but such surveys are not conducted via email.”

The survey encourages people to complete the survey with a promise of a gift worth more than $50 and is intended to generate traffic and sales leads for dubious sites.

“Having this pop-up appear on your computer may indicate that malicious code has been installed and you should seek the assistance of a technical expert to assist in its removal,” said Kempe.

Manitoba Public Insurance is taking its anti-distracted driving ‘Your Last Words’ campaign to the next level ─ a texting and driving simulator.

The simulator will be available both on-line and as a portable, event version. The simulator is interactive, sending scripted texts to participants who respond via their smartphone, while encountering vehicles, intersections and obstacles. When participants are finished they will see their driving errors and have the option of pledging to not text while driving, and sharing their experience via social media.

The on-line simulator ─ available via http://www.yourlastwords.ca ─ is designed to be like a typical driving experience with the user controlling an onscreen vehicle with their keyboard. The event version ─ which will be taken to various community events in the province ─ will allow people to get behind the steering wheel, complete with multiple screens and gas/brake pedals.

“The simulator will allow users to experience the dangers of texting and driving firsthand in a safe environment,” said MaryAnn Kempe, Vice-President, Business Development, Communications & Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“The objective is to provide an experience that will hopefully encourage drivers to stop this risky behaviour in real life driving. This multi-media campaign, the texting and driving simulator will help ensure our primary target demographic of teens and young adults get the message that it is not possible to drive safely while texting.”

The online simulator will also be added to Manitoba Public Insurance’s Driver Education curriculum. Nearly 12,000 students take the program yearly in Manitoba.

Illegal driving behaviour

Almost 5,000 Manitobans are convicted each year for using a hand-held electronic device while driving. A conviction results in a fine of $200 and two demerits on the Driver Safety Rating.

“Deaths and injuries from distracted driving are totally preventable,” said Andrew Swan, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance. “Driving a motor vehicle requires the complete concentration of a driver, as life-saving decisions are often made in an instant. Text messaging or using a hand-held cell phone while driving are both illegal and dangerous.”

In Manitoba, on average one in four road fatalities are linked to distracted driving.

It’s that time of year again ─ thousands of students are heading back to school. This fall brings a new rule for motorists ─ reduced speed limits when travelling through school zones, effective September 1.

The return of students also brings the return of school safety patrols. Approximately 10,000 young patrollers help make the trip to school safer for elementary and secondary students in Manitoba. Manitoba Public Insurance and CAA Manitoba have long worked together on this very valuable road safety program. Nearly 200 Winnipeg schools are involved, in addition to rural schools.

Each patroller commits to at least 200 hours per school term, spending up to an hour on duty every school day, helping students travel to and from school four times a day in all kinds of weather.

“School patrollers provide a very valuable service to their classmates,” says MaryAnn Kempe, Vice-President, Business Development, Communications & Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“The new speed-limit rules are aimed at slowing down vehicles and enhanced road safety in high-pedestrian areas. The onus of responsibility lies with parents and motorists to ensure everyone gets to school safely.”

Children Unpredictable

“The message is clear – slow down and pay attention, especially when driving in school zones,” said Mike Mager, President and CEO of CAA Manitoba. “Kids can be unpredictable pedestrians, so it’s up to motorists to be extra prudent to ensure their safety when traveling to and from school.”

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

Those interested can call Manitoba Public Insurance, SpeedWatch Coordinator, Community Relations Department, 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:

• 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 begin to flash, 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.
• 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 signs or traffic control signs.
• When crossing the street, regardless of the availability of signals, cross as quickly as possible. Minimize time in the roadway.

Over the last two months there have been 23 road fatalities on Manitoba roadways, according to Manitoba Public Insurance claims data.

“One fatality is too many,” said MaryAnn Kempe, Vice-President, Business Development, Communications & Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance. “But the goal moving forward is to put out a call of action to Manitobans to exercise road safety this Labour Day holiday weekend.

“Many fatalities could have been prevented had motorists changed their driving behavior. Losing a friend, brother, sister, mother and father is emotionally devastating. Let’s aim to avoid this and make this a happy Labour Day weekend.”

More than 80 per cent of the fatalities in July and August took place on rural highways and roads.

“As first responders to the scene of fatal collisions, as the ones who have to go and inform family members their loved one has died, as the ones who have to witness, document and investigate the horrific circumstances of these collisions, the RCMP asks you to please make smart choices,” said Inspector Joanne Keeping, Officer in Charge of RCMP Traffic Services.

“We want to see everyone get home safely. These types of collisions are preventable if people drive safely, buckle up and drive sober.”

Road Safety Tips:

• Don’t drink and drive. On average, about 30 per cent of Manitoba road deaths are related to alcohol.
• Buckle up. A person is nearly 21 times more likely to be killed and five times more likely to be seriously injured when not wearing a seatbelt.
• Put away the cellphone. On average, 25 people are killed each year on Manitoba roadways due to distracted driving.
• Slow down ─ Speed kills. Nearly 30 per cent of fatal collisions are linked to speeding.
• Don’t drive drowsy. On average, there about 100 fatigue-related crashes reported each year in Manitoba ─nearly half of those crashes causing an injury or death.

While Ontario drivers pay the highest auto insurance premiums in Canada, Manitobans continue to benefit from the public auto insurance system, says the president of the Consumers Association of Canada (CAC).

Bruce Cran was responding to a story recently published in a national newspaper which reported Winnipeg vehicle owners pay the lowest insurance premium compared to vehicle owners in Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. Most notably, young drivers in provinces with private auto insurance pay several thousand dollars more than their counterparts living in Manitoba.

“The CAC has done studies in the past which have confirmed that Manitoba has the lowest insurance premiums in Canada,” said Cran. “Manitoba also has an excellent benefits package for those who are injured as the result of an automobile collision.

“Private auto insurances have a mandate to provide profit dividends to their shareholders. There are some things that should be run by private industry. And there are others that should be in the hands of government ─ auto insurance is one of them.”

Rate Stability and benefits

Over the last decade, collision costs in Manitoba have increased 35 per cent overall, while during the same period of time Manitoba Public Insurance has decreased its rates 14.9 per cent. Despite these contrasting financial outcomes, the Corporation has been able to decrease, or keep rates flat, for nine of 10 years.

Manitobans seriously injured in a motor vehicle collision are receiving more in benefits today than they would have prior to the province moving to a No-Fault automobile insurance system, according to Manitoba Public Insurance claims data.

The average bodily injury claim payout is now about $14,000, compared to about $7,000 under the province’s former Tort system of auto insurance.

“Our data confirms what we’ve said all along, that Manitoba’s Personal Injury Protection Plan better compensates the seriously injured,” said Dan Guimond, President and CEO of Manitoba Public Insurance.

“The PIPP system guarantees that injured people receive immediate benefits. Research of the Tort system found that Manitobans with minor injuries were often over compensated, while those with serious injuries were often under compensated and sometimes subjected to lengthy legal proceedings.”

Manitoba Public Insurance’s goal is to maintain claims expense per reported claim at a maximum of 50 per cent of industry average. The basic Autopac plan will return at least 85 per cent of premium revenue to Manitobans in the form of claims benefits.

A public auto insurance system can offer fundamental business advantages, according to the CAC. Of note, the public auto insurance system is able to control costs more effectively by working in partnership with body shops, medical clinics and business partners.

Manitoba Public Insurance reported a net income of $14.2 million for the three months ended May 31, 2014.

While the corporation faced significant increased frequency and severity experienced this past winter and continued into March and April, resulting in an increase of $9.6 million – or 8.1 per cent – in physical damage claims, this increase was offset by a drop in bodily injury claims from last year of $35.7 million.

“Bodily injury claims have appeared to return to normal levels from last year’s abnormally high levels,” said Heather Reichert, vice-president, Finance and Chief Financial Officer. As a result, total claims costs for the first quarter of the fiscal year decreased $26.6 million compared to last year.

Despite these first quarter results, the corporation remains cautious given the impact of claims severity as a result of the harsh driving conditions most Manitobans experienced over the past winter, the ongoing volatility of interest rates and the nearly depleted Rate Stabilization Reserve (RSR).

Reichert says fiscal responsibility continues to be a high priority with Manitoba’s public auto insurer. “We are committed to keeping rates stable for all Manitobans over the long term,” she said.

Reichert adds motorists need to play their part. “Manitobans need to stay vigilant by driving to the conditions of the road and avoid collisions during the remaining three quarters of the fiscal year.”

Flood waters entering a vehicle can potentially result in extensive damage and cause additional inconvenience at an already stressful time. Manitoba Public Insurance is encouraging vehicle owners who have had water enter their vehicles to open a claim with the province’s public auto insurer.

“Water in a vehicle can potentially damage the mechanical and electrical components, which may result in the vehicle being damaged,” said Christine Martin, Vice-President, Customer Service & Chief Operating Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

Other vehicles at risk are fifth-wheelers/pull trailers, snowmobiles, ATVs and vehicles used only occasionally. While they may be parked in locations that are normally safe, overland flooding poses a real danger to them. Vehicle owners should review their policy guide, or speak to an Autopac agent to ensure their vehicles are fully covered.

Flooded roadways safety tips:

• Never attempt to cross a flooded road. When driving your vehicle in a flooded region, be on the lookout for flooding at highway dips, bridges and low areas.
• Better safe than sorry. Water levels are often much deeper than they appear and driving through can cause serious damage to your vehicle.
• Think about what you can’t see. Before proceeding on a road covered with water, remember that soft road surfaces can give way under a vehicle’s load and that large potholes are often concealed beneath the surface.
• Watch the current. A fast-flowing current over a roadway can cause a possible loss of vehicle control on non-paved surfaces. Proceed with caution!
• Plan ahead. If you have to travel in flooded areas, contact the Provincial Highways Department at 204-945-3704 or local RCMP for updated highway information.

Vehicle safety tips:

• Don’t attempt to start your vehicle if it has been submerged in water as you run the risk of unexpected system failure. Call Manitoba Public Insurance (204-985-7000 in Winnipeg; 1-800-665-2410 outside Winnipeg) to open a claim.
• Test your brakes after driving through deep water by driving slowly and applying brake pressure lightly. Other parts such as emergency brake cables, axels and electronic components should be dried and checked by a qualified professional as soon as possible.
• Don’t attempt to retrieve your vehicle from a flooded area until the water has receded and it’s safe to enter.
• For specific information about Autopac coverage, including coverage for vehicles in transit and steps that can be taken to protect vehicles, customers should contact their Autopac agent or visit www.mpi.mb.ca.

Only second rate increase in last 10 years

A record winter for collision claims ─ combined with an overall increase in collision claims and claims costs─ has resulted in Manitoba Public Insurance asking the Public Utilities Board (PUB) for an overall rate increase of 3.4 per cent.

“More than half of our policy holders will see a rate increase of $20 or less per year or a decrease in their premium,” said Dan Guimond, President and CEO of Manitoba Public Insurance. “Manitoba had a long winter with severe driving conditions, resulting in claims costs jumping 13.5 per cent.”

Of the 3.4 per cent proposed increase, 2.4 per cent will be directed to Basic insurance, while the remaining 1 per cent will be used to help replenish the Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund (RSR), which is used to help cover unexpected cost increases such as those from extreme weather events, explained Guimond.

“The RSR and improved corporate efficiencies have helped avoid passing the full 13.5 per cent on to vehicle owners,” said Guimond. “It’s critical that we replenish the RSR to protect vehicle owners from significant rate increases driven by the next unexpected loss or weather event that would otherwise have to be covered by a significant rate increase. This allows MPI to keep rates stable over the long term.”

The average passenger vehicle premium will be $949 if this application is approved. This rate increase is required to offset ongoing losses in the Basic Autopac plan and replenish the Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund (RSR).

Other factors influenced this year’s rate application, explained Guimond. Compared to last year, net claims incurred increased by $114.6 million. These higher than expected costs contribute to the increase to Basic insurance rates.

“Over the last decade, collision costs have increased 35 per cent overall, while during the same period of time, the Corporation has decreased its rates 14.9 per cent,” said Guimond. “Despite these contrasting financial outcomes, the Corporation was able to decrease, or keep rates flat, for nine of 10 years.”

Additionally, external factors ─ global economic realities, increasingly complex vehicle repairs, and general cost pressures from inflation – have also impacted this year’s rate proposal for Basic insurance.

“It has been well documented just how challenging the past year has been in terms of collision claims and the costs associated with these claims,” said Guimond. “The severe winter driving conditions experienced in the end of the 2013 winter and this past winter overall, along with greater severity of claims, has resulted in significantly higher claims costs.”

Overall, a total of 168,000 collision claims were opened last year with Manitoba Public Insurance, compared to 160,000 the year previous. The average claim collision cost for 2013-14 was about $3,000 ─ a 9.12 per cent increase over the previous year.

If approved, the increase will take effect March 1, 2015. However, because of staggered renewals, some Manitobans will not start paying these rates until they renew their policy after that date. The PUB will rule on the proposed rates this December.

Motorcycle Rates Decreasing

If approved, motorcycle rates (excluding mopeds/small-engine displacement motor scooters) will have decreased 25.6 per cent over the last five years. This year’s rate application is requesting a 6.1 per cent decrease ─ or $61 per vehicle. If approved, the average motorcycle rate will decrease to $939 from $1,000.

Annual report: Four decades of service and stability

Manitoba Public Insurance also filed its 2013 annual report with the Legislature today. The report reflects the Corporation’s history of prudent fiscal management and customer service commitment and demonstrates our continued ability to offer all Manitobans comprehensive coverage at among the lowest rates in the country.

The Corporation’s fiscal performance was affected positively by the investment markets but negatively by increased net claims incurred costs, resulting in a net operating loss of $44.8 million. Despite inflationary increases, claims and operating expenses were $3.2 million or 1.3 per cent less than last year.

Last year, Manitobans filed an average of 1,151 claims daily, and the Corporation paid out $2.6 million every working day. The average cost per claim was about $3,000.

Additional Information

• Basic Autopac 2015: Effect of rate application on vehicle premiums
• Passenger Vehicle Average Premium Growth (Statistics Canada): 1998-present
• Average Annual Growth of Collision Costs/History of Rate Changes: 2005-present
• History of Rate Changes: 2005-present
• 2013 Annual Report
• 2013 Annual Financial Statement

It’s cycling season – and Manitoba’s public auto insurer, in partnership with the city of Winnipeg, is raising awareness about cyclists and motorists safely sharing the road.

Today a safety demonstration was staged in Winnipeg, visually showing the dangers of vehicle blind spots and how cyclists can avoid a collision.

“Turning and side-swipe collisions are two of the most common collisions involving cyclists, according to claims data,” said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, Business Development, Communications and Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Maintaining visibility is vital to preventing these types of collisions – especially when it comes to large vehicles. If cyclists and motorists can see each other, then these types of collisions could be avoided. From a cyclist’s perspective, if you cannot see the driver from where you are on the road, then you also need to assume that they cannot see you.”

Having the ability to identify a vehicle’s blind spot would be very beneficial to cyclists.

“Cyclists are strongly encouraged to ride defensively and anticipate when they are riding into a potentially dangerous situation,” said Sgt. Rob Riffel of the Winnipeg Police Service. “Motorists and cyclists are both entitled to be on the roadways. There should be a mutual respect for both groups.”

Three Manitobans are killed and 250 others are injured each year in bicycle collisions, according to claims data released by Manitoba Public Insurance. The data shows there was an average of 269 bicycle-motor vehicle collisions from 2007-2011, with the majority (98.4 per cent) occurring in urban centres.

“Maintaining visibility to drivers applies in all cases,” said Dave Elmore, CAN-Bike Master Instructor and former Director of Safety and Education for Bike Winnipeg. “When approaching an intersection, bicyclists should always shoulder check and signal before positioning themselves in the middle of the lane. This makes you more visible to both the vehicle in front and behind you.

“It also provides you with the needed space to start up again without tons of steel directly beside you. With larger vehicles you need to stay far enough back to remain in the field of vision of the driver’s mirrors. This can mean positioning yourself well back and in some cases slightly further to the left of the centre of the lane so that you can be seen.”

Under no circumstance should a bike rider ever pass motor vehicles on the right or position themselves to the right of vehicles at an intersection, stressed Elmore.

“In this position you put yourself at risk of the driver not knowing that you are there and turning right into you as you try to proceed straight through the intersection. All passing should be done on the left.”

About one in 10 cycling collisions took place when the vehicle, or cyclist, was making a left turn across an intersection.

“The data clearly shows that cycling collisions that involve turning and side-swiping are all too common,” said Kempe. “As the cycling community grows in numbers, so does the need for an increased awareness of road safety. Knowing the rules of the road and being aware of potential dangers will make our roads safer for everyone.”

In Manitoba, one in three of all fatal collisions involve some form of impairment. With the Victoria Day long weekend now upon us, Manitoba Public Insurance is reminding Manitobans about the dangers of impaired driving.

“Innocent lives are being put at risk due to people who continue to drink and drive,” said MaryAnn Kempe, Vice-President, Community & Corporate Relations, Manitoba Public Insurance. “Road safety should be a priority this Victoria Day long weekend.

“There will be heavier traffic than normal on our roadways,” said Kempe. “We also know that people will consume alcohol during the long weekend. If people know they are going out drinking, they need to have a good plan before they head out. Drinking and driving should never be an option.”

Sobering Facts and Stats:

• According to a recent Transport Canada report, impaired driving claims more victims than homicide.
• On average, one person is killed and about 100 injured over the Victoria Day long weekend in Manitoba.
• Drivers under the age of 25 have twice the rate of involvement in impaired collisions compared to all other drivers in Manitoba.
• A driver will move down five levels on their Driver Safety Rating when receiving a roadside administrative suspension for driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) between .05 to .08 percent, or failing a physical coordination test.

Nearly 1,500 tickets have been issued thus far this month to Manitoba drivers who were observed using an electronic hand-held device.

The month-long dedicated enforcement project ─ funded by Manitoba Public Insurance ─ is being conducted by six police agencies across the province.

“Distracted driving is extremely dangerous driver behaviour,” said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, Community & Corporate Relations, Manitoba Public Insurance. “The numbers clearly show that some drivers continue to break the law and place innocent motorists at risk.

“Reducing fatalities on our roadways is accomplished by the proactive combination of education, awareness and law enforcement. It’s against the law to use an electronic hand-held device while driving and a recent poll by our corporation reflected Manitobans’ concerns.

“Almost nine in 10 Manitobans reported that cell phone use while driving is a serious problem.”

About 25 road deaths each year in Manitoba are attributed to distracted driving, according to Manitoba Public Insurance claims data, beginning in 2005. The penalty for using a hand-held electronic device while driving is a $200 ticket in addition to two demerits.

Last November, Manitoba Public Insurance provided funding for a similar enforcement initiative, resulting in 1,800 Provincial Offence Notices being issued to motorists who were observed using a hand-held electronic device while driving.

This month’s enforcement campaign is a joint initiative between Manitoba Public Insurance and the RCMP, Winnipeg Police Service and Brandon Police Service, as well as police agencies in Winkler, Morden and Rivers.

Beginning this month, Manitoba Public Insurance and six police agencies across the province are partnering in a dedicated enforcement project aimed at drivers who continue to use hand-held electronic devices.

“This partnership is the continuation of a similar, highly-successful project staged last November,” said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, Community & Corporate Relations, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Our corporation will be providing funding which will allow for additional enforcement to help reduce a very dangerous driving behaviour. Last November’s enforcement campaign resulted in 1,800 Provincial Offence Notices being issued to motorists who were using an electronic device while driving.”

The enforcement campaign is a joint initiative between Manitoba Public Insurance and the RCMP, Winnipeg Police Service and Brandon Police Service, as well as police agencies in Winkler, Morden and Rivers.

“Reducing fatalities on our roadways is accomplished by the proactive combination of education, awareness and law enforcement,” said Kempe. “According to recent polling conducted by our corporation, drivers who use hand-held cell phones is consistently rated as the most serious safety problem in the province.

“Almost nine in 10 Manitobans say that cell phone use while driving is a serious problem.”

About 25 road deaths each year in Manitoba are attributed to distracted driving, according to Manitoba Public Insurance claims data, beginning in 2005. The penalty for using a hand-held electronic device while driving is a $200 ticket in addition to two demerits.

Driving can be challenging during the best of road conditions. But when snow, ice, water or potholes enter the driving mix, motorists are encouraged to adjust their driving behaviour and drive to road conditions.

To date, nearly 300 pothole claims have been opened with Manitoba’s public auto insurer this year. On average, about 1,000 pothole claims are opened annually with Manitoba Public Insurance. If your vehicle is damaged as a result of a hitting a pothole, motorists can open a claim by calling Manitoba Public Insurance’s Contact Centre: 204-985-7000/1-800-665-2410.

To protect your car and other road users, follow these tips:

• Scan 10 to 12 seconds down the road in front of you, looking for potholes. If you are approaching one, don’t swerve suddenly as you may hit another vehicle.
• Slow down as much as possible before the pothole.
• Most potholes develop in the curb lane where water accumulates. This can hide potholes so be sure to approach all puddles with the same caution as you would a pothole.

March is Fraud Prevention Month and Manitoba Public Insurance is dedicated to reducing this crime and educating Manitobans on how they can assist in keeping auto insurance premiums low.

“We’re encouraging Manitobans to come forward and speak out against auto insurance fraud,” said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, Community and Corporate Affairs, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“The Corporation has a dedicated TIPS Line, which is a valuable source of information for our investigators. Auto insurance fraud, if undetected, has an impact on all honest Manitobans.”

Manitoba Public Insurance’s TIPS Line is: 204-985-8477 or toll-free 1-877-985-8477. All calls are anonymous. All 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 more than $9 million for Manitoba auto insurance rate payers. The SIU will investigate about 3,000 claims yearly.

“This financial figure is based on an estimate of money recovered and fraudulent claims denied,” said Kempe. “These fraud savings are the direct result of Manitoba’s public auto insurer focusing on all aspects of auto insurance fraud, be it organized groups, vehicle fires, hit and run or bodily injury.”

Kempe explained that Manitoba Public Insurance’s continually reviews its anti-fraud strategies, specifically aimed at keeping in step with fraudsters.

Insurance fraud ─automobile, home or health care ─ costs Canadians more than $3 billion a year in insurance premiums, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. Organizations around the world lose an estimated five percent of their annual revenues to fraud, according to a survey of fraud experts conducted by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).

Children across the province could be at risk due to improperly installed child car seats or the complete absence of any restraint device in motor vehicles.

About 80 per cent of child car seats in Manitoba are not properly installed, according to Manitoba Public Insurance. On the national level, a recent Transport Canada survey indicates that one in 20 children are not restrained at all when in a moving vehicle.

With the objective to improve child passenger safety, Manitoba Public Insurance will be hosting a series of free child car seat clinics in Winnipeg, Brandon and Steinbach (in 2014) to encourage and support parents and caregivers on how to properly restrain their child when on the road. The child car seat inspections and presentations are a joint effort between Manitoba’s public auto insurer and its safety partners – St. John’s Ambulance, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, Brandon Fire Department and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

In addition to the car seat clinics, other Manitoba Public Insurance education efforts include car seat information sessions to parent groups. There are currently four presentations booked for March, 2014.

“Children are the most vulnerable members of our society and their safety should be a priority for all Manitobans,” MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, Community & Corporate Relations, Manitoba Public Insurance said today. “Knowing how to install a child car seat and restrain your child correctly is the single most important way to protect them in the event of a collision. That’s why these inspection clinics are so vital.”

Nationwide, more than 70 children under the age of 12 are killed and over 10,000 others are injured in car crashes each year.

“The more opportunities for inspections we can get out to parents, the more knowledgeable they will become,” added Kempe. “As a result, the risk of their children being injured will be greatly reduced. These free inspections are a means of supporting parents and enabling them to provide the greatest care for their loved ones.”

Manitoba Public Insurance has worked with St. John Ambulance and its national Child Restraint System training program since 2002 to certify people to become child car seat technicians. This training – provided free by Manitoba Public Insurance – allows the technicians to properly inspect car seat installations. There are two training sessions planned for March.

Common car seat errors include:

• Securing the child restraint system too loosely
• Improper use of the vehicle restraining system while securing the seat
• Harness straps and/or chest clips that are too loose or too low
• Children who are transitioned to the next car seat stage prematurely

“Knowing how to properly install a seat and restrain your child can be extremely tricky,” added Kempe. “Reading instructions in a manual or online isn’t the as seeing a demonstration up close. That’s why these inspection clinics are so important – they provide hands on training on how to secure your children.”

Manitoba Public Insurance is encouraging vehicle owners to inspect their extension cords after several vehicle fires have been attributed to faulty/broken extension cords.

A cracked extension cord, or blockheater cord with a corroded plug can result in “electrical arcing” which can quickly spark a fire. Each year in Manitoba about 1,000 vehicles are damaged by fire ─ several dozen are the direct result of damaged extension cords or worn blockheater/in-car heater plugs. 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.