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Manitoba Public Insurance and its road safety partners are putting out a call for safety to all Manitoba motorists. Manitoba’s public auto insurer is reminding Manitobans that winter weather conditions – extreme cold, heavy snow, slush, and freezing rain – can change road conditions dramatically over a very short period of time.

“Since December 1, 87 per cent of all fatalities have taken place on rural roads, up from an average of 70 per cent in most years,” said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, Community and Corporate Relations, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“A total of 13 people have been killed in road crashes on rural highways during December and January. In the majority of these fatal road crashes, winter weather conditions have played a major role.

“Drivers need to adjust just as quickly to stay safe,” said Kempe. “Driving to road conditions could be a life-saving decision. More than ever, we’re asking motorists to exercise road safety. When there’s ice and snow, slow down. It could save a life.”

The Association of Manitoba Municipalities encourages motorists to exercise patience during poor weather conditions.

“Municipal crews do their best to clear the snow and ice from the roads, but they must do so when it is safe,” said Joe Masi, Executive Director of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities.

“In poor winter weather, snow plows must sometimes wait until conditions improve to do their jobs. Motorists should wait, too.”

Recently, Manitoba’s public auto insurer launched an advertising campaign which specifically deals with driving when road conditions change dramatically due to weather conditions. The ‘Take it Slow’ campaign encourages drivers to slow down when there’s ice and now on the roadways.

Intersection Safety

Approximately 40 per cent of collisions in Manitoba occur at intersections. At highway intersections, the high speeds can increase the risk of serious injury or death. Police agencies throughout the province will be placing additional focus on intersection safety during the month of February. Most highway intersections consist of a major highway that intersects with smaller roadways.

When a vehicle is approaching a major highway, they must stop and give the highway traffic the right-of-way, even if there is no stop sign. Motorists should treat these highway intersections like an uncontrolled intersection in the city, such as coming out from a back lane or parking lot.

“Drivers must continue to be aware of their surroundings, drive to the conditions and make wise decisions,” said Insp. Joanne Keeping of the RCMP Traffic Services. “Many collisions are still due to motorists driving through stop signs and they often result in a death. These fatalities are preventable if safety at intersections is exercised.”

Safety Tips during bad weather conditions:

• Check the weather forecast and driving conditions before travelling and delay or cancel travel if it is not recommended.
• Consider turning back or finding a safe place to stop if conditions get worse while driving.
• While driving, reduce your speed.
• Utilize your emergency lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
• Avoid sudden braking while on the roadway. A following vehicle could collide with you.
• Keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you.

Buoyed by a strong, one-time investment gain, Manitoba Public Insurance reported net income of $64.5 million for the nine months ended November 30, 2013 compared to net income of $15.1 million for the same period last year.

Claims incurred for the nine months ended November 30, 2013 increased by $11.0 million or 2.0 per cent compared to last year, said Heather Reichert, Vice-President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance. Physical damage claims incurred increased by $19.7 million or 5.5 per cent, while bodily injury claims incurred decreased by $8.8 million or 4.7 per cent.

However, Manitoba Public Insurance cautions that while the first nine months have been stable, winter claims counts are already far higher than historical levels.

“December collision and injury claims were both more than 17 per cent higher than last December’s claims,” said Reichert.

The collision frequency in early January has not improved from December.

“After three quarters of the year, the corporation is in stable financial position thanks primarily to a rebound in the investment markets. But we are entering the final quarter already facing much higher than normal winter claims counts.”

“Fiscal responsibility continues to be a high priority with the corporation,” said Reichert. “Despite inflationary increases, the corporation’s operating expenses remain at the same level as the prior year over the first nine months,” said Reichert.

“Motorists need to drive to the conditions of the road and avoid collisions during the final quarter which is usually a difficult period of time for driving.”

Thousands of crashes in the province are the direct result of motorists driving too fast on ice/snow-covered roads, according to Manitoba Public Insurance.

Nearly 30,000 collision claims have been opened with Manitoba Public Insurance over the last six weeks. Thousands of these claims are due to vehicles losing control on ice, or unable to stop due to excessive speed due to weather-related conditions.

In order to heighten motorists’ awareness about driving to road conditions, Manitoba Public Insurance recently launched its “Take it Slow” advertising campaign ─ TV, radio, outdoor and web. Road safety tips on this topic can also be found on Manitoba Public Insurance’s website.

“Driving is challenging under the best of road and weather conditions,” said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president of Corporate & Community Relations, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Winter weather conditions ─ extreme cold, heavy snow, slush, freezing rain ─ can change dramatically during a very short period of time. Drivers need to adjust just as quickly. By doing so, a collision could be avoided.”

Based on Manitoba Public Insurance collision data, driving too fast for road conditions is clearly a contributing factor in collisions. Speeding accounted for 34 per cent of all people killed in a collision in 2011 and 17 per cent of all serious injuries sustained in collisions in 2011.

“It’s important to note that police agencies have the authority to issue a ticket to motorists who are found to be travelling too fast for road conditions,” said Kempe. “A small adjustment to driving behaviour can avoid a collision.”

Safety Tips

• Slow down. The posted speed limit is intended for ideal road and weather conditions.
• 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.