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Over the last five years in Manitoba, an estimated 60 vehicles have fallen through thin/unsafe ice during early December and spring. Ice fishing should be a fun activity; not life threatening.

Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to use common sense on the ice. If you’re going skating or ice fishing with a group, stay off ice that’s less than four inches thick. As a general rule, avoid ice that has cracks or ice near inlets or moving water. If you’re not familiar with an area, be sure to talk to the locals because ice is rarely the same thickness all the way across a body of water and can change.

If you’re going ice fishing it may also be a good idea to check with a local expert about ice safety. Bait shops or lakeside businesses may know about the ice conditions. Always be safe and don’t put yourself or others at risk.

Ice Thickness Permissible Load

3 inches…………………. Single person on foot

4 inches……………………. Group in single file

7 1⁄2 inches……… Passenger car (2-ton gross)

8 inches………….. Light truck

10 inches……. Medium truck

For the second time this year, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) will be providing immediate financial relief to its policyholders, Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton announced today. MPI customers will receive a total of $69 million, which is about $100 per policyholder. This is in addition to the previous rebate of $110 million in May of this year and the corporation’s recent request of an -8.8 per cent overall rate decrease in its General Rate Application to the Public Utilities Board (PUB).

“As this pandemic progresses, Manitobans continue to be financially impacted by this crisis,” said Wharton. “This second rebate will assist Manitobans as we all work together in getting through this challenging time in our province.”

Policyholders can expect a rebate cheque at the end of December or early January, said Wharton, adding it is estimated about 675,000 cheques will be issued.

This second rebate was made possible by the combination of fewer collision claims, about 20 per cent lower from mid-March to the end of October compared to the previous year and MPI’s forecast of collision frequency remaining favorable into the spring. Rebates will be based on what policyholders paid during this period and is expected to be about six per cent of their annual Basic Autopac premium.

“As a proud Manitoba corporation, we are pleased with what we can do to help during this unprecedented time,” said Satvir Jatana, acting CEO and president, Manitoba Public Insurance. “This rebate to our customers is combination of fewer claims and our continued focus on fiscal prudence. MPI continues to operate in a high efficient manner, aimed at delivering value to Manitobans. Our financial responsibility is reflected in our daily running of our operations and practices.”

Jatana explained that this second rebate should not have an adverse effect on MPI’s financial outcomes moving forward and request for an overall -8.8 per cent rate decrease application to the PUB. If approved, customers will pay, on average, about $110 less in premium. The new rates will take effect April 1, 2021.

Under existing legislation, this rebate requires the approval of the PUB. MPI will apply to the PUB in the coming days.

Details of the second rebate will be made in the coming weeks and further details will be available at www.mpi.mb.ca.

Impaired driving was a leading contributing factor in at least 18 road deaths according to Manitoba Public Insurance preliminary data as of the end of October. While still below the five-year average of 25 (2015-19), Manitobans are reminded to drive sober as the holiday season fast approaches.

In efforts to raise awareness about the devastating consequences of impaired driving, MPI has resumed its annual Friends for Life Speaker Series, in addition to donating a salvage vehicle to the Winnipeg Chapter of MADD Canada. The vehicle, which has highly visible anti-drinking and driving messaging, will be on display in areas of high public traffic.

“MPI has long been committed to providing education and programming about the risks and dangers associated with dangerous driving decisions,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President, Employee and Community Engagement, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“To that end, the Corporation, MPI delivers the annual speaker series: Friends For Life. The program provides students with real-life stories delivered by individuals who have been personally impacted by a decision made behind the wheel of a car.

“The importance of reaching thousands of youth to create awareness about the consequences of impaired and other risky driving decisions hasn’t changed in the face of the pandemic. That’s why for 2020 we’ve moved to a virtual format so that we don’t miss out on the opportunity to reach Manitoba students,” said Jatana.

MPI is also continuing its annual support of the MADD Canada School Program for middle and high school students. “Our mission is to stop impaired driving and to support victims of this violent crime” said Dawn Regan, MADD Canada’s Chief Operating Officer.

“In this year of COVID-19 all of our programs and services that help us deliver on that mission have been impacted. However, thanks to our partnership with MPI we are still able to deliver our educational programming to Manitoba students, albeit many of the programs are now online, helping them to understand the risks of impaired driving and empowering them to make safe choices.”

2020 fatal counts too high

As of the end of this October, 73 people have been killed on Manitoba public roadways. If this disturbing trend continues, 2020 will be second worst year for road deaths in Manitoba over the last five years: 2016 the worst at 107.

MPI’s preliminary data reports:

• Impaired driving accounted for at least 18 deaths
• Distracted driving, at least 16 deaths
• No seatbelts, at least 13 deaths

Speed, weather conditions and other factors contributed to the remaining deaths on Manitoba public roadways.

Over the next couple of months, Manitoba Public Insurance will provide 25 highly visible speed display boards in 13 communities thanks to a pilot road safety partnership between the public auto insurer and various municipalities.

The speed display boards are electronic signs that use radar to detect the speed of an approaching vehicle and display the speed on an LED variable message display. The speed display is typically combined with a static (non-electronic) display that includes the text “Your Speed” or similar.

“The intent of the speed display board is to encourage compliance with the posted speed limit by making motorists aware of their actual speed,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President, Employee and Community Engagement, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“These high visibility signs are intended to be used as reinforcements to the maximum posted speed signs to encourage compliance when transitioning to a lower posted speed, such as school zones and communities located along highways.”

Confirmed participating communities are, Brandon, Steinbach, Winkler, Portage la Prairie, Thompson, Morden, The Pas, RM of Springfield, RM of West St. Paul, Altona, Ste. Anne and Rivers.

Location criteria consisted of roadways which have a high frequency of collisions; roadways to have a known issue of speed, rural highways which pass through a residential area that require drivers to be aware they need to decrease their speed (IE: 100km/h down to 70km/h).

Results of the pilot for this road safety partnership will be monitored and evaluated to determine success and evolution of the program.

Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions can prove fatal. Last year in Manitoba, at least 21 per cent (about one in five) fatalities had speed as a contributing factor.

There are nearly 9,000 vehicle/deer collisions yearly in Manitoba, with the Eastman Region topping Manitoba Public Insurance’s Top 5 list for high-collision regions.

Eastman ─ which includes the communities of Steinbach, Lac du Bonnet, Anola, Birds Hill Park area and Falcon Lake ─ experienced an average of 2,025 collisions yearly, based on collision statistics collected from 2015 to 2019.

Of note, Winnipeg is number seven on the list of top vehicle-deer collision regions in the province, which is released annually by Manitoba’s public auto insurer.

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

1) Eastman – 2,025 yearly collisions

2) Westman – 1,980 yearly collisions

3) Interlake – 1,530 yearly collisions

4) Central Plains – 840 yearly collisions

5) Parkland – 790 yearly collisions

“At this time of year in particular, there’s an increased likelihood of encountering these animals when travelling through these zones. Awareness is one key to preventing a collision,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President, Employee and Community Engagement, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“There are nearly 9,000 vehicle-deer collisions yearly in Manitoba. Our goal is to see that reduced through education, awareness, emerging driver-assist technologies, and drivers taking preventative steps.”

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

In rural Manitoba, Riding Mountain National Park has a high visibility message sign, warning drivers of the potential danger of collision with wildlife and encouraging safe speeds, particularly between dusk and dawn.

“These high visibility message signs warn drivers to remain alert for deer, and watch for them in these high collision areas,” said Jatana. “It’s important that drivers are aware when they’re entering an area where deer frequent and pay close attention to their surroundings. The boards are up during what is typically the highest collision period.”

On average, more than 450 people are injured in wildlife-related collisions yearly. Over the last 10 years, nine people in Manitoba have been killed in crashes caused by an animal on a road. Overall, Manitobans are involved in 13,100 vehicle-wildlife collisions yearly according to Manitoba Public Insurance data.

Tips to help keep you safe:

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

In direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Winnipeg’s King Edward service centre will be temporarily closed and relocating, Manitoba Public Insurance announced today.

The King Edward centre will reopen in a temporary alternate location on Monday, November 2 at 1780 Ellice Avenue. The hours for the King Edward Service Centre will remain the same.

King Edward customers with existing road and knowledge tests will be asked to attend to the new location on Ellice Avenue. If they have any questions they are encouraged to contact MPI.

“As a proud Manitoba corporation, we are eager to do what we can to help our healthcare professionals provide the best care possible for Manitobans during this unprecedented time,” said Satvir Jatana, acting CEO/President, Manitoba Public Insurance.

Vehicles equipped with winter tires are in fewer crashes than vehicles without winter tires, according to a Manitoba Public Insurance report.

Based on analysis of winter month claims (November to March), winter tire use is estimated to reduce collision claim frequency by 6.3 per cent.

The analysis was based on collision claims over the insurance years 2011-12 to 2017-18. Frequency was measured by comparing claim frequency before and after a winter tire purchase for 111,872 vehicles.

Of the 111,872 vehicles, there were 13,925 winter-month claims occurring before winter tires were installed and 9,802 winter-month claims occurring after winter tires were installed, stated the report.

“The analysis also concluded that in the instance of a collision, damage severity was 5.7 per cent lower for the vehicle equipped with winter tires, compared to the vehicle which did not have winter tires,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President, Employee and Community Engagement, Manitoba Public Insurance. “The lower severity for claims with winter tires was consistent for both single and multiple vehicle collisions.”

Winter tires employ softer rubber compounds to enhance grip. Many industry studies report that braking distances are reduced when the winter-tire equipped vehicle is travelling on snow, slush or ice-covered roads.

Winter Tire Use

Winter tire use in Manitoba/Saskatchewan is consistently below the national average, according to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC); a national trade association which produces an annual report on the winter tire industry. In its 2017-18 report, Manitoba/Saskatchewan had a 60 per cent winter tire use, compared to the Canadian average of 76 per cent.

Manitoba Public Insurance is pleased to announce the appointment of Eric Herbelin as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective Jan. 4, 2021.

Herbelin brings over 20 years of senior leadership and international management experience in the insurance industry, with particular expertise in strategy, finance, corporate development and risk management. Herbelin has led large customer-centric and digital modernization programs that will serve MPI well through its season of transformation.

“I am pleased to welcome Mr. Herbelin to Manitoba, and am confident that his broad insurance-industry experience and strategic and financial management focus will strengthen MPI’s mandate and its leadership team,” said Dr. Michael Sullivan, Board Chair, Manitoba Public Insurance.

Sullivan noted Herbelin’s appointment results from an exhaustive local, national and international search. A native French speaker and originally from Switzerland, Herbelin’s most recent appointment was as the President and CEO of Elips Life Insurance Company, a Swiss Re Group’s subsidiary headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

“Mr. Herbelin’s insurance experience will bring welcome perspectives to the organization and ensure the Crown corporation is delivering industry best-practice solutions within the public insurance context that we are so proud to offer to Manitobans,” said Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton. “I have no doubt the selection of Mr. Herbelin by the corporation’s board of directors will serve to strengthen and secure the long-term sustainability of the public insurance program in Manitoba.”

Herbelin holds an Executive MBA from the International Institute for Management in Switzerland, along with a master’s degree in human systems engineering and an undergraduate degree in business administration and finance from the University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland.

“The board of directors is very pleased to welcome Mr. Herbelin as the organization’s new president and CEO,” said Sullivan. “We are confident that he can build on the successes and dedicated leadership of the corporation’s former president and CEO, Benjamin Graham.”

Manitoba teen drivers’ behaviours are at the forefront of road safety as National Teen Driver Safety Week (October 18-24) is about to launch.

Over the last decade (2010-2019) teen drivers have been involved in 10 per cent of fatal crashes and eight per cent of injury crashes, said Satvir Jatana, Vice President, Employee and Community Engagement, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Many teen drivers fully observe the rules of the road. However, it’s important to reinforce the importance of safe driving and the impact of high-risk driving behaviours. For the safety of all motorists on our roadways.”

National Teen Driver Safety Week ─ organized by Parachute Canada ─ is a good time for all teen drivers in the province to evaluate their driving behaviours and work on reducing teen driver involvement in collisions.

MPI’s Driver Z focused on safety

MPI’s Driver Education Driver Z program is now in its second year. The high school program consists of interactive e-lessons, and includes videos and quizzes to test theoretical knowledge as students’ progress through their learning. MPI’s Driver Z application also includes a resource library that includes the full series of procedural videos, practice routes, a practice driving log, among other features that enable a better experience for students and their team of driving coaches who are so important in their learning throughout the program.

Other collision involvement rate statistics involving Manitoba teen drivers include:

• They are 3.1 times more likely to follow too closely than drivers aged 45 and older
• They are 3.5 times more likely to speed than drivers aged 45 and older
• They are 3.6 times more likely to lose control/drive off-road than drivers aged 45 and older
• They are 10.2 times more likely to experience Extreme fatigue or fall asleep behind the wheel than drivers aged 45 and older
• They are 3.6 times more likely to drive impaired than drivers aged 45 and older

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

Manitobans who are nonbinary will now be able to display an X as the gender identifier on their Manitoba driver’s licence or identification cards, effective today, Manitoba Public Insurance announced today.

Additionally, all Manitobans will have the option to leave their gender unspecified on their driver’s licence or identification card by opting to have the gender field left blank. While the X has largely been adopted across Canada and by international organizations, Manitoba now joins Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in becoming the only Canadian jurisdictions which offer customers the option not to display a gender marker on their licences and identification cards.

In developing these changes, Manitoba Public Insurance has worked collaboratively with the Public Interest Law Centre (PILC), which has represented a group of nonbinary individuals who approached the Manitoba Human Rights Commission with concerns over the way gender has been traditionally displayed on driver’s licences and identification cards.

“This is an important step forward in ensuring that all Manitobans have a choice in whether to display gender information on their IDs, and when they do, to ensure that the information displayed is accurate,” said Allison Fenske of PILC. “PILC has been representing a number of concerned nonbinary Manitobans who have lobbied for this change.

“Our clients look forward to continuing collaboration with MPI to best serve the nonbinary community and working to ensure systemic barriers are removed.”

Customers who wish to change the gender identity marker on their driver’s licence or identification card will be asked to attend an MPI service centre or Autopac agent to self declare; there is no need to provide supporting documentation for any gender marker changes.

The new driver’s license or identification card will be changed at no cost to the customer.

Manitobans are reminded that if they wish to book a driving test online they can do so by visiting mpi.mb.ca. It has come to the attention of Manitoba Public Insurance that a fraudulent, online appointment and knowledge booking site exists which requests personal information and charges a fee.

This website is fraudulent and is in no way associated with MPI. If someone has booked an appointment on this site and paid money, they should report this fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Due to COVID-19, appointments are only released to the public every Wednesday at 9 a.m. Options available to Manitobans wishing to book a road test are:

• Visit any one of the 300 Autopac agents in the province and book online
• By visiting Online Services at mpi.mb.ca
• By visiting an MPI Service Centre

Manitoba Public Insurance reported a net income of $110.1 million for the first three months of its fiscal year, ending June 30, 2020. The net income after surplus distribution was nil, compared to $94.7 million for the same period last year. The surplus distribution of capital of $110.1 was intended as financial relief to policy holders during COVID-19.

Total earned revenues for the first three months rose by $8.5 million from the same period last year. This increase was driven mainly by an increase in the number of motor vehicles insured and the value of those vehicles.

Recently, MPI applied to the Public Utilities Board (PUB) for a provisional 10.5 per cent overall decrease in Basic insurance premiums for the 2021/22 insurance year. Approximately 98.9 per cent of vehicles will experience either no change or a reduction in rates from the previous year.

Factoring out impacts of changing interest rates on outstanding claims reserves, claims incurred dropped approximately 21 per cent year over year largely due to lower frequency of auto collisions in the quarter.

“While the first quarter results are favourable, net income remains subject to change throughout the year based on weather-related factors that drive claims costs, and variations in investment results affected by the financial markets,” said Mark Giesbrecht, vice-president, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Historically, the first two quarters of the Corporation’s fiscal year generate a profit, which is then offset by an increase in claims during the winter months,” said Giesbrecht. MPI remains committed to delivering on its mandate to provide exceptional coverage and service at rates that are affordable, predictable and stable over the long-term, explained Giesbrecht.

“MPI entered the pandemic on a strong financial footing which allowed for the $110.1 million surplus to be distributed to Manitobans when they needed it most. We are proud to now have followed this up with a subsequent rate decrease request to the PUB. Prudent claims management practices, including an increased focus on detecting fraudulent claims, along with management actions to maximize operational efficiencies, will ensure we continue delivering on our promise to provide value to all Manitobans.”

Manitoba Public Insurance is once again partnering with law enforcement agencies throughout the province to fund enhanced enforcement activities in and around schools over the month of September.

Now in its eighth year, MPI provides funding to assist three police agencies in enhancing their patrols around schools in the mornings and afternoons when pedestrian activity and traffic volumes are heaviest. Participating agencies this year are the RCMP, Winnipeg and Brandon police services.

Drivers are reminded to educate themselves when school zone speed limits are in effect within their respective communities. Enhanced enforcement can take place before, during or after classes in the designated school zone.

“It’s important that drivers observe the speed limits and slow down,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President, Employee and Community Engagement, Manitoba Public Insurance. “Reducing the vehicle’s speed could save a life. Slowing down allows the driver to react quicker and reduces braking distance.

“Whether it’s pedestrian traffic or parents dropping off their children, school zones can be very busy. Slowing down can make everyone safer.”

600 speeding offences

During the campaign last year, nearly 600 speeding offense notices were handed out during this annual school safety initiative. Over the last five years, more than 5,000 provincial offence notices for various infractions, ranging from speeding to use of a hand-held electronic while driving, failure to stop at pedestrian crosswalks and other traffic control devices, have been issued to drivers.

Last year, participating police agencies monitored more than a hundred different school locations in both urban and rural communities. Photo radar speed enforcement in school zones is not a part of this partnership initiative.

Important back-to-school safety tips

For drivers:

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

For parents:

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

For children:

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

Auto-insurance fraud charges in 2020 have nearly tripled from the year previous, according to Manitoba Public Insurance.

As of the end of July 2020, a total of 88 charges against 33 people have been laid, compared to 30 charges against 10 people in 2019.

“This increase is partially attributed to MPI’s refocused effort in reviewing suspicious cases,” explained Curtis Wennberg, vice-president, Customer Service and COO. “In addition, MPI has adopted a business change to emphasize that insurance fraud is a “crime” and pursue both a denial of coverage and charges going forward.

“Following extensive investigations, these files are forwarded to the provincial prosecution office for review. These charges fall within either the Criminal Code, the MPIC Act or Highway Traffic Act. A conviction of any nature is a very serious consequence of auto insurance fraud.”

Charges laid can vary from Making False Statement, Fraud Over $5,000, Fraud Under $5,000. Individuals found guilty in the courts could face a financial fine, criminal charges or/and restitution orders to pay back MPI.

Suspicious claims are handled by MPI’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU). The efforts of this special unit resulted in claims savings last year of more than $10 million for MPI rate payers. The SIU closed more than 1,200 investigations in 2019. In addition to the TIPS Line, Manitoba Public Insurance receives information about possible fraudsters from employees, police agencies, or Manitoba Crime Stoppers.

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

“A criminal record can affect travelling across the border, employment or business opportunities,” said Wennberg. “Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime and this criminal activity affects honest Manitobans through their premiums.”

Insurance fraud – automobile, home or health care – costs Canadians more than $3 billion a year in premiums, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

Masks will be mandatory for all customers attending a Manitoba Public Insurance location, effective Wednesday, September 9.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, MPI has been committed to following the advice and direction of the provincial public health authority by putting procedures in place to best protect the health and safety of MPI employees and customers.

Customers will be required to bring and wear a face covering/mask when attending any MPI location, including all service centres, claim centres, and MPI’s Physical Damage Centre.

Please note the following:

• Signs will be posted at all entrances to inform customers of this requirement.
• In the interests of protecting the health and safety of employees and other customers, any customer who refuses to wear a mask will be asked to leave.
• It is also encouraged that only one family member per household to enter, unless otherwise required for business.

This new mask requirement does not replace the physical distancing guidelines that are already in place. Per public health direction, a distance of two meters (six feet) should be kept between people whenever possible. Customer-facing MPI employees interacting with the public will also be required to wear a mask.

Disturbingly, serious/catastrophic injury claims have doubled so far this year, according to Manitoba Public Insurance.

As of the end of July, a total of 18 serious/catastrophic injury claims (quadriplegic, paraplegic, brain injury) have been opened with MPI. In July alone, there were nine serious/catastrophic claims opened with MPI. In comparison, there were nine and eight serious/catastrophic injury claims during the same time period in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Last year, overall, set a new record for the worst year in decade with a total of 23 serious/catastrophic injury claims opened with MPI. On average, there are about 20 such injuries each year.

“While we’ve experienced a decrease of nearly 22,000 collision claims during the period of January to July 2020, compared to the same time frame in 2019, unfortunately serious injury counts are dramatically higher,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President, Employee and Community Engagement, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“These types of injuries typically result in very long hospitalization and recovery time for those affected. The injuries are devastating, often resulting in total or partial paralysis, amputation, serious brain injury or life-changing trauma. In some cases, the injured person may require care 24 hours a day.”

While traffic volumes still remain relatively low due to the pandemic, many drivers have dramatically increased their speeds. The majority of serious/catastrophic injuries take place on rural roadways where speed limits are typically higher, increasing the severity of the crash.

Recently, MPI reported a 60 per cent increase in speed-related Serious Driving Offences forwarded to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles from April to June. As per the Drivers and Vehicles Act, speed infractions (50 km/h or more over the limit) are one of several offences that must be reported to the Registrar. After receiving the Serious Offense Notice roadside, drivers are given five business days to contact MPI to schedule a Show Cause Hearing.

Learn more about Manitoba’s comprehensive Personal Injury Protection Plan coverage here.

On average, there are nearly 41 collisions yearly in Manitoba involving agricultural equipment and passenger vehicles, according to Manitoba Public Insurance data.

“Crops are coming off the fields and large agriculture machinery will be travelling on roadways. It’s important motorists be aware and drive responsibly,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President, Employee and Community Engagement, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Observance of road safety is key to keeping our roadways safe. Producers are on the roadways moving their machinery. Everyone is expected to share the roads responsibly and safely.”

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

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

Farm equipment has a maximum speed of 40 km/h so it’s easy for motorists to misjudge their speed of approach. Motorists can do their part by keeping a safe distance from agricultural machinery added Jatana.

“Motorists should be patient when they come upon farm equipment and only pass when safe to do so,” said Jatana. “Be particularly diligent during dusk and dawn hours when it can be difficult to see.”

Starting today, MPI will resume booking appointments for mobile driver testing services throughout Manitoba.

MPI’s mobile testing units offer limited driver testing services on a scheduled basis to communities without an MPI service centre. As with all driver testing services, mobile testing was suspended due to COVID-19 in March.

Customers are able to view available locations and the driver licence class tests and dates offered here. In order to increase overall appointment availability, MPI has permanently consolidated a number of mobile testing locations. At this time, northern remote sites will not resume testing, however, future planning for these locations is in progress.

How to book

Similar to booking knowledge and road test appointments at MPI service centres, customers eligible for mobile testing sites can do so in the following ways:

• Online: Customers are encouraged to book Class 5 and 6 road tests through MPI’s Online Services.
• Over the phone: Customers who either cannot or do not wish to visit an Autopac agent or service centre, can call their Autopac agent to book a test.
• In person: As always, road tests can also be booked in person at Autopac agents or MPI Service Centres.

COVID-19 requirements

As with all of MPI’s driving testing services during COVID-19, procedures have been updated for the protection of both customers and staff. Customers can find the full list of requirements here.

Changes to mobile testing locations

As a result of a recent program review based on demand and optimal testing routes, MPI has made changes to the communities where mobile testing will be offered going forward.

Mobile testing will now be offered in the following communities:

Altona Ashern Carberry Carman Cross Lake Flin Flon Gillam Gimli Grand Rapids Killarney Leaf Rapids Lynn Lake Manitou Minnedosa

Morden Morris Neepawa Niverville Norway House Pine Falls Roblin Russell Snow Lake Souris Stonewall Treherne Virden

Please note: Northern remote testing sites were not included in the program review.

By consolidating mobile testing sites, MPI will be able to offer an increased number of appointments to Manitobans. It is estimated that no customer will need to travel more than one hour for driver testing services throughout the province.

Friday is the deadliest day of a holiday long weekend, according to Manitoba Public Insurance.

On average, one person is killed and almost 100 others are injured each long holiday weekend ─ with 35 per cent of those injuries/deaths taking place on Friday.

“There are typically heavier traffic volumes on the Friday of every long weekend as people head out to their cottage, favourite beach or campground,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice President, Employee and Community Engagement, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“It’s at these times in particular when all drivers must stay focused on driving to road and weather conditions, driving within the speed limit, and not driving while distracted or impaired. Seat belts also need to be worn at all times.”

Not only are high-risk driving behaviours illegal in Manitoba, they are also dangerous and can lead to tragic outcomes. In 2019 there were a total of 77 people killed on public roadways, according to Manitoba Public Insurance data. As of July 2020, preliminary data reports 33 people killed on public roadways.

In many cases, these collisions involved dangerous and high risk behaviours, and should serve as a reminder to all Manitobans about the importance of road safety.

Top five road safety tips

• Don’t text and drive. It’s against the law and attracts five demerits on the Driver Safety Rating scale. More than one in four fatal crashes in Manitoba are related to distracted driving.
• Don’t drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Driving drunk or high slows reaction time and continues to be a major contributor to fatal collisions in Manitoba. It’s also a Criminal offence that can result in severe penalties including jail time.
• Don’t speed. Speeding at-fault drivers are responsible for deaths of 21 people each year and injure more than 700 others.
• Buckle up. People not using their seatbelts are 33 times more likely to be killed and two times more likely to be seriously injured in a collision than people using their seatbelt.
• Slow down in construction zones. Watch for signs as the speed limit will be lower in a construction zone. Follow directions. The flag person helps control the flow of traffic. Follow their directions, including slowing down or stopping.

Far too many drivers are travelling at dangerous speeds, endangering the lives of other motorists on Manitoba roadways, according to Manitoba Public Insurance.

Over the last three months ─ April to June ─ a total of 148 speed-related Serious Driving Offences (SDO) have been forwarded to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. This is a 60 per cent increase compared to the same time frame in 2019 when 93 SDOs were forwarded to MPI by Manitoba police agencies.

As per the Drivers and Vehicles Act, speed infractions (50 km/h or more over the limit) are one of several offences that must be reported to the Registrar. After receiving the Serious Offense Notice roadside, drivers are given five business days to contact MPI to schedule a Show Cause Hearing.

MPI statistics report that about 90 per cent of these Show Cause hearings result in licence suspension, which is based on the speed recorded on the ticket and the person’s driving history. Length of license suspension can range from several months to multiple years.

“About one in five road fatalities last year in Manitoba had speed as a contributing factor,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice-President, Employee and Community Engagement, Manitoba Public Insurance. “The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to reduced traffic volumes on Manitoba roadways. Unfortunately, many drivers seem to think this is an opportunity to speed and travel at very dangerous speeds.”

Of the speed-related SDOs forwarded to MPI, the average speed from April to June, 2020 was 59km over the posted speed limit. The highest speed recorded was 98km over the limit (178 in an 80 km zone).

“Such high-risk driving behaviour is a risk to everyone who travels our roadways. Innocent people should be allowed to travel safely,” said Jatana.

Police agree that high speeds present a danger to the general public.

"The Winnipeg Police Service continues to see drivers risking their lives and the lives on others on the roads by driving at excessive speeds,” says Inspector Gord Spado, Traffic Division, Winnipeg Police Service.

“Speeding increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle, particularly during evasive maneuvers, and has a negative impact on reaction time and stopping distance, not to mention severity of injury and damage. We will continue to conduct speed enforcement through both traditional and automated means to enhance road safety for all road users."

Police agencies in rural Manitoba also have safety concerns on rural roadways.

“Every day, our officers are seeing irresponsible drivers risking their lives, and the lives of others, by driving at incredibly high-rates of speed,” said Inspector Chris Moore, Officer in Charge of Traffic Service for the Manitoba RCMP. “Our officers will continue to conduct traffic enforcement across the province to hold these drivers to account for their actions and to make our roads safer for all.”