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Hundreds of Manitoba drivers have admitted to angry driving, according to a Manitoba Public Insurance road safety survey. Of the 1,500 drivers surveyed, three in 10 admitted they committed acts of road rage after experiencing feelings of anger.

In order to raise awareness about angry driving, Manitoba Public Insurance is launching an extensive public awareness campaign in October Dubbed “Friendly Manitoba,” the campaign will focus on a middle-aged man who presents himself as a model citizen (well mannered, polite, caring and giving) until he gets behind the wheel of his vehicle where he displays his “angry” personality.

“Anger is often displayed by shouting, cursing or making rude gestures, or more rarely, extreme actions, such as forcing a car off the road and worse,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Angry drivers are more likely to engage in unsafe driving behavior such as drive aggressively, or may even become distracted by their anger. Not surprisingly, they are at a higher risk of causing or getting into a collision. Research confirms that those who drive anger-free have 35 per cent reduced odds of collision involvement.”

Other findings in MPI’s survey included:

• Three in 10 drivers admitted they committed acts of road rage after experiencing feelings of anger
• Four in 10 drivers admitted to weaving in and out of traffic
• Nearly three-quarters of drivers admitted to speeding up to get through a yellow light

“Aggressive driving behaviours may consist of following too closely, unsafe lane changes (weaving in and out of traffic) and failure to obey traffic signals,” said Jatana. “The road safety survey confirmed many Manitoba drivers act out their anger in response to traffic situations and other road users.

“As we work towards saving more lives on our roadways, we must embrace a new culture for drivers ─ including the belief that one fatality is too many and high-risk driving behaviours are no longer acceptable.”

While there is no collision data tracked specifically to feelings of anger while driving, repeat high-risk driving behaviours and subsequent convictions (i.e. dangerous driving, speeding and at-fault collisions) can result in a driver’s licence suspension. Suspensions impact an individual’s placement on the Driver Safety Rating (DSR). While the majority of Manitoba drivers have a +15 rating and receive a 33 per cent discount off their Basic Autopac premium, more than 2,000 drivers are at the bottom of the scale with a -20 rating and $3,000 driver’s licence surcharge.

“Angry driving not only leads to a higher risk of collisions, it’s unsafe and unpleasant for other passengers and sets a poor example for the next generation of drivers – our children and is counterintuitive to our culture of ‘friendly Manitobans’,” said Jatana.

Manitoba Public Insurance has requested a rate decrease of 0.6 per cent in an amendment to its 2020-21 General Rate Application filed October 4 with the Public Utilities Board (PUB). If approved, 610,000 Manitoba vehicles will have lower Basic auto insurance premiums.

If approved by the PUB, the average passenger vehicle owner will pay about $10 less in premiums per year. The PUB hearings began this week and conclude later this month. The board typically issues its order in December.

For background, MPI originally requested a 0.1 rate increase in June, but due to favourable financial results as of the end of September, the Corporation filed the amendment October 4, requesting an overall rate decrease for the first time since 2012.

A key contributing factor to the rate amendment was MPI has performed better than budget in the first half of the year due to its ongoing fiscal prudence and commitment to reducing operating expenses while improving its claims management process. MPI has also achieved its 100 per cent Minimum Capital Test (MCT) target ── the minimum amount the company should hold in reserves to protect against rate shock and ensure rates remain stable.

“With such positive financial results, it would be inappropriate to ask for a rate increase, although it was nominal to request in the first place,” said Ben Graham, President and CEO, Manitoba Public Insurance. “As we continue to execute our operational strategy, MPI is dedicated to maintaining stable and predictable rates which remain among the most affordable in Canada while providing exceptional coverage to Manitobans.

“MPI is one of the few auto insurers in Canada to request a rate decrease this year. While other private auto jurisdictions are looking at double digit increases, Manitoba once again demonstrates the strength of the public auto insurance system. Now that we have established a strong financial foundation – our focus will continue to meet customers changing needs now and also into the future”

The proposed rates would be effective March 1, 2020, but because renewal dates are staggered, some vehicle owners won’t pay their new rates until February 28, 2021.

Requested rate changes by class

Major use	Applied for rate changes
Private passenger	-0.9%
Commercial	0.7%
Public	10.4%
Motorcycles	5.1%
Trailers	-5.2%
Off-road Vehicles	-12.5%
Overall (applied for)	-0.6%

This year could be the deadliest in decades for pedestrian fatalities, according to Manitoba Public Insurance. As of mid-September 2019, there have been as many pedestrian fatalities (12) as in the previous five-year annual average (12), according to MPI.

This year’s nine-month count represents the highest pedestrian fatality count in the last 20 years. Currently, the most pedestrian deaths in a single year is 2007 with 16.

“The focus for both pedestrians and motorists must be road safety,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance. “We must all do our part to keep our roads safe. Road safety is the responsibility of all Manitobans.

“As a community, we need to start thinking differently about road safety. We need to change the conversation and create a culture where even one fatality due to a motor vehicle is considered one too many.”

On average in Manitoba about 12 pedestrians are killed and about 160 are injured yearly. About half of all pedestrian deaths occur at an intersection, while one in 10 deaths take place either between intersections or while walking on the road.

Notable data for the first eight months of 2019:

• There have been 45 fatal collisions on Manitoba public roadways with 50 people killed; in the same period of 2018, there were 50 fatal collisions with 55 people killed.
• Of the 50 people killed in 2019, three-quarters of fatalities took place on rural roads.
• Of the 50 people killed in 2019, one in five were not wearing seatbelts (including child restraints).
• About one in five fatalities were related to alcohol/drugs.
• One in five were related to speed.
• Five motorcyclists have been killed.

On average, there are nearly 40 collisions yearly in Manitoba involving agricultural equipment and passenger vehicles, according to Manitoba Public Insurance data.

“We’re reminding everyone on the roadways that large, agricultural machinery is out as harvest season is currently underway,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for Corporate Communications, 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.”

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 seventh year, funding of approximately $53,000 will 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.

“Changing a driver’s behaviour involves a combination of education, awareness and law enforcement,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for Corporate Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance. “High visibility police projects serve as a reminder for all motorists to slow down and drive with care in school zones.”

Last year, a total of 650 speeding offense notices were handed out during this annual school safety initiative. Over the last five years, nearly 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 a total of 141 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.

As part of its on-going commitment to reduce auto theft in the province, Manitoba Public Insurance and the Central Canadian Auto Theft Association (CCATA) is hosting a two-day seminar (June 5-6), aimed specifically at sharing information about current criminal trends in the world of auto theft.

More than 70 auto theft investigators from police agencies and insurance providers from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec are attending the conference.

“Police agencies and insurance companies work very closely in monitoring the ever-changing trends and patterns relating to auto theft,” said Curtis Wennberg, vice-president, Customer Service and COO, Manitoba Public Insurance. “The issue in Manitoba is theft of vehicles with keys, while insurance companies in other jurisdictions have issues relating to vehicle theft and exportation, the changing VINs on vehicles, ghost vehicles and organized theft rings.”

In Manitoba, about 3,400 vehicles are stolen yearly costing MPI ratepayers about $30 million last year. About 90 per cent of those thefts are related to the use of keys. It’s estimated that about 85 per cent of all vehicle thefts in Manitoba occur in Winnipeg. MPI’s Special Investigation Unit is responsible for looking at all suspicious claims; some of which include auto theft.

“Fraudsters and auto thieves can be very sophisticated in their methods,” said Wennberg. “The sharing of information, trends and information with other experts is very important to stay ahead of the trends and reduce this type of crime. Auto theft is not a victimless crime because all drivers are financially affected and everyone’s safety is more at risk with stolen vehicles on the road.”

For the first five months of this year, Manitoba Public Insurance’s TIPS Line has received a 63 per cent increase in calls compared to the same time period last year. A total of 290 calls were handled, resulting in 52 investigations being opened by MPI’s Special Investigation Unit.

“Our Corporation is committed to reducing auto insurance fraud. This increase in calls is attributed to heightened awareness about auto insurance fraud,” said Curtis Wennberg, vice-president, Customer Service and COO, Manitoba Public Insurance. “Earlier this year the Corporation launched it’s first-ever, fraud-themed public awareness campaign which successfully resulted in raising awareness among Manitobans. The TIPS Line is a valuable resource in unearthing fraudulent claims.”

MPI’s campaign, “Fraud: We All Pay”, focused on how auto insurance fraud in Manitoba affects all rate payers ─ about $50 a year per person.

A recent MPI survey of 800 respondents reported the following:

• More than 50 per cent of respondents stated they are more likely to report a fraud after seeing the “Fraud: We All Pay” ad
• More than 50 per cent of respondents acknowledged heightened awareness about MPI’s TIPS Line
• 70 per cent of respondents acknowledged having a raised awareness that auto insurance fraud is a problem
• More than 50 per cent admitted that auto insurance fraud was something they had not thought about

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

Suspicious claims are handled by MPI’s Special Investigation Unit. As a result of its investigative expertise Manitobans were saved nearly $13 million in fraudulent claims last year ─ the highest claims savings in a decade.

Manitoba Public Insurance announced it has requested a 2.7 per cent overall rate increase for the 2018/19 insurance year in its general rate application filed with the Public Utilities Board today. If approved, the average passenger vehicle owner will pay about $29 more in premiums per year, or less than $3 per month.

“The overall premium revenue requirement for the Basic insurance program in 2018/19 results from an ongoing focus on fiscal prudence and cost containment, which results in a direct financial benefit for Manitoba rate payers,” Dan Guimond, president and chief executive officer of Manitoba Public Insurance said today. “Without these efforts, the indicated rate requirement would have been significantly higher at 7.7 per cent,” said Guimond.

“We recognize that our customers expect us to deliver comprehensive auto insurance coverage and service at rates that are predictable, stable and among the lowest in all of Canada. We believe this application continues to deliver on that mandate.”

This year’s rate application also addresses concerns over significant undercapitalization of the Basic Autopac insurance program by seeking to establish an adequately sized rate-stabilization reserve that can be used to absorb variations in revenues, claims costs and ongoing volatility in the financial markets, which affects investment income and future claims liabilities.

Also under the proposal, the interest rate forecast for rate setting purposes would be updated as at the end of November 2017 with final approved rates established through a compliance filing to the general rate application in December 2017 to take effect for policies effective on March 1, 2018 or later. Doing so will provide a better basis for interest rate forecasting for the 2018 insurance year.

“Our goal is to continue working collaboratively with the Public Utilities Board to reach consensus on these important issues, which will ultimately help to ensure the Basic insurance program operates on a self-sustaining basis for the benefit of all Manitobans,” added Guimond.

If approved, a total of 637,440 vehicles (excluding trailers and off-road vehicles) will receive a premium increase with 54.2 per cent of these vehicles increasing by less than $50 per year. Approximately 35.5 per cent of all vehicle owners will see no change or a decrease in premium over 2017/18 rates.

The average premium for the private passenger vehicle class will be $1,086.

While individual rates will continue to vary based on the type of vehicle being insured, vehicle use, rating territory, and driving history, the following overall rate increases have been requested by major vehicle class.

Major Use	Applied for Rate Changes
Private passenger	2.7%
Commercial	1.3%
Public	1.1%
Motorcycles	2.7%
Trailers	11.4%
Off-road Vehicles	-16.7%
Overall (applied for)	2.7%

The proposed rates will be effective March 1, 2018 but because renewal dates are staggered, some vehicle owners won’t pay the new rates until February 28, 2019.

Motorcycle Rates Increasing

The Corporation has requested a 2.7 per cent overall average increase to motorcycle rates. If approved, rates for 16.8 per cent of the motorcycle class will decrease or remain the same, while the rates for 83.2 per cent will increase. Of those increasing, 77.1 per cent will be increased by less than $50.

“If approved, the rates over the last five years for motorcycles will have decreased overall by 14.2 per cent,” said Guimond. “The Corporation works very closely with the Coalition of Manitoba Motorcycle Groups on topics relating to both safety and rates, and this collaboration continues to make a positive difference for all motorcyclists in our province.”

Driver Safety Rating Program

Changes are also proposed to driver licence premiums under the Driver Safety Rating program that will better align the premiums paid by high-risk drivers to the actual risk these drivers present to the insurance fund.

The intent is to create stronger financial incentives for dangerous drivers to adjust their driving behaviour, which in turn will improve road safety and benefit all road users. These changes are expected to increase driver premium revenue by $17.5 million.

If approved, the proposed driver premium increases will only impact drivers on the demerit side of the DSR scale and no demerit driver will face an increase in their 2018/19 driver premium compared to what they paid in 2017/18, if they qualify to move up on the scale because of an incident-free year of driving.

Annual Report

Manitoba Public Insurance also released its 2016 annual report this week. The Corporation reported a net loss from operations of $85.2 million. The Corporation’s overall claims costs increased by approximately $212.7 million compared to the previous year due primarily to actuarial adjustments and continued underperformance of interest rates which negatively affected claims reserves.

The increase in claims costs was partially offset by an increase of $61.8 million in revenues, an increase of $101.4 million in investment income, and a reduction in corporate operating expenses.

Last year, Manitobans filed an average of 1,220 claims every working day. This represents about $3.0 million in Autopac claims every working day.

Additional Information

Basic Autopac 2018/19

Eight in 10 Manitobans say it’s unacceptable to drive after consuming marijuana, according to a recent Manitoba Public Insurance survey of 1,500 Manitobans.

Drugged driving is a concern of many Manitobans and as part of MPI’s ongoing commitment to road safety and educating drivers about the dangers of drug-impaired driving, the Corporation recently launched its newest public awareness campaign, “Don’t drive high!”

The campaign, which kicked off this month, includes outdoor, TV and online advertising, along with an interactive webpage featuring games which tests concentration and reaction skills.

“The legalization of non-medical marijuana has changed the landscape of road safety,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance. “Medical studies and research from leading organizations have reported marijuana use compromises reaction time and the ability to make safe decisions on the road.”

Education and public awareness are critical in making all Manitobans aware of the potential dangers of drugs and driving, said Jatana. Drivers who used cannabis are at 1.8 to 2.8 times more at risk of being involved in a fatal crash, states the Traffic Injury Research Foundation.

Impaired driving continues to be a major issue on Manitoba roadways. In total, 70 people were killed in auto-related crashes in 2018, with preliminary analysis showing 45 per cent of those deaths linked to impaired (alcohol or drugs) driving.

Other highlights of the recent MPI survey:

• Eight in 10 Manitobans say:
  – It’s unacceptable to drive after consuming marijuana (78%)
  – It’s likely for a driver to cause a collision when driving under the influence of marijuana (76%)
• Five per cent of Manitoba drivers admit to driving after consuming marijuana (driving within two hour of consuming marijuana within in the past two months) which equates to one in 20 drivers

Manitoba Drug and Alcohol Roadside Survey

In 2016, MPI commissioned the Manitoba Drug and Alcohol Roadside Survey which reported one in 10 Manitoba drivers who participated in the voluntary roadside poll tested positive for drugs. Of the 1,230 drivers who participated in the survey, 124 tested positive for drugs with 53 per cent testing positive for cannabis, 31 per cent for cocaine and 12 per cent for opioids. Twenty two per cent of these drivers tested positive for more than one drug.

“Impairment by drugs is not only a risk related to cannabis use,” said Jatana. “Use of illicit drugs, and even legally prescribed medication, can impair judgment and motor skills. Driving impaired, either by alcohol or drugs, is illegal in Manitoba.”

Impaired driving has serious consequences

Manitoba has among the toughest impaired driving laws in Canada. Current penalties for driving with a blood alcohol concentration equal to or over .08 or a blood drug concentration over five nanograms of THC can include a three-month administrative licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, an impaired driver assessment, moving five levels down the Driver Safety Rating scale, and Criminal Code charges.

An impaired driving-related conviction under the Criminal Code results in additional penalties that may include significant court-imposed fines, potential imprisonment, possible vehicle forfeiture, a court-imposed driving prohibition, further movement on the Driver Safety Rating scale, mandatory driver’s licence suspension and participation in the Ignition Interlock Program.

More than 2,200 impaired drivers have been taken off the roads over the last 10 years thanks to the Manitoba Public Insurance sponsored RoadWatch program.

Now in its 21st year, RoadWatch begins this Victoria Day weekend and will continue until November. The program supplements existing police enforcement efforts and will result in enhanced police presence on Manitoba streets and highways, particularly on holiday weekends. In total, five police agencies will participate: RCMP and police services in Winnipeg, Brandon, Morden, and Winkler.

Impaired driving continues to be a major issue on Manitoba roadways. In total, 70 people were killed in auto-related crashes in 2018, with preliminary analysis showing 45 per cent of those deaths linked to impaired (alcohol or drugs) driving.

“RoadWatch has been a highly effective road safety strategy in keeping Manitoba roadways safe,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance. “All road users are encouraged to commit to road safety and help save the 100 people who are killed, on average, on our public roadways.

“RoadWatch’s high-visibility roadside check stops, when combined with public awareness and education, send a strong message that illegal and high-risk driving behaviours such as impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and non-use of seatbelts will not be tolerated.”

Over the last 10 years, more than 3,600 check stop locations have been held by law enforcement throughout Manitoba. In addition to removing impaired drivers from the road, RoadWatch checks have also resulted in more than 19,000 Highway Traffic Act offence notices issued for offences ranging from not using seatbelts, speeding, texting while driving and driving while suspended.

Who is driving impaired?

• Young males make up the majority of those involved in impaired collisions.
• Males account for nearly three-quarters of impaired drivers involved in crashes.
• Drivers under age 35 (all genders) account for nearly two-thirds of impaired drivers involved in crashes.
• Drivers under the age of 35 have a rate of involvement in impaired driving crashes that is nearly four times that of drivers age 35 and older.

For the first four months of 2019, pedestrians made up nearly half ─ six of 14 people ─ of the fatalities on Manitoba’s public roadways, according to Manitoba Public Insurance.

“One death is too many. And with the news of these concerning numbers, there’s no better time for Manitobans to focus on road safety than Canada Road Safety Week (May 14-20),” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“This annual awareness campaign focuses on behaviours that put drivers, passengers and other road users most at risk: distracted driving, impaired driving, non-seatbelt use, speeding and incidents involving vulnerable road users. Pedestrians can be particularly vulnerable since they don’t have a ton of steel protecting them like occupants within a vehicle.”

On average in Manitoba, about 12 pedestrians are killed and about 130 are injured yearly. About half of all pedestrian deaths occur at an intersection, while one in 10 deaths take place either between intersections or while walking on the road.

“Road safety is the responsibility of all Manitobans,” said Jatana. “Behind these numbers are real lives lost and families left to deal with the senseless and often unnecessary loss of a loved one. As a community we need to start thinking differently about road safety. We need to change the conversation and create a culture where even one motor vehicle fatality is considered one too many.”

About Canada Road Safety Week

Canada Road Safety Week is an enforcement-driven initiative led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP), and more specifically by the CACP’s Traffic Safety Committee. It is designed to increase public compliance with safe driving measures in order to save lives and reduce injuries on our roads.

This road safety awareness campaign is part of the broader Canada’s Road Safety Strategy 2025, which aims to make Canada’s roads the safest in the world. To this end, the campaign is focused on behaviours that put drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users most at risk.

Over the last five years, 22 motorcyclists have been killed on Manitoba public roadways while another 700 have been injured. With May being National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, Manitoba Public Insurance is renewing its call to “Save The 100” ─ the average number of people killed yearly on Manitoba public roadways.

In an effort to heighten road safety awareness between drivers of vehicles and motorcyclists, Manitoba’s public auto insurer recently launched a public awareness campaign “Watch For Motorcycles”.

“The focus of road safety remains saving the 100 and making Manitoba roadways safer,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Mutual respect on our roadways is paramount if we’re going to see a reduction in fatality numbers. Many of these deaths could have been prevented and were directly attributed to high-risk driving behaviour.”

In order to heighten road safety awareness among both groups of vehicles, Manitoba’s auto insurer works closely with the Coalition of Manitoba Motorcycle Groups.

“It’s important that we change the conversation about traffic safety in our province and create a culture where all road users have mutual respect for each other,” said Jatana. “For drivers this means acknowledging that motorcyclists have every right to use our roads safely, as do cyclists and pedestrians.”

Safety tips

For motorcyclists:

• Wear the right gear, including an approved safety helmet, eye protection, jacket, pants and boots.
• Try to be highly visible whenever possible by wearing bright or fluorescent colours such as yellow, red or orange to enhance visibility.
• Ride with your headlight on and in a position on the roadway where you are visible to motorists and out of their blind spots.

For drivers:

• Always look twice when changing lanes and at intersections to be sure there isn’t a motorcycle or moped in the blind spot.
• Watch for signals. It may be hard to see a motorcycle or moped’s turning signal so watch for other signs like shoulder checking which can indicate the rider is planning to change lanes or turn.
• Keep your distance. Motorcycles and mopeds may stop faster than other vehicles. Maintain a following distance of at least four seconds and increase this distance at night or when it’s raining.

About Motorcycle Safety Month: This safety initiative is promoted in Canada by the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada, which includes the Coalition of Manitoba Motorcycle Groups. As part of Motorcycle Safety Month, people can show their support by taking the #MotorcycleSafetyPledge: https://www.motorcycling.ca/safety-campaign.

With expected higher than normal traffic volumes this Easter long weekend, Manitoba Public Insurance is putting out a call of action to drivers to place additional focus on road safety.

On average over the Easter long weekend, one person is killed on a Manitoba public roadway over the three-day holiday, while nearly 70 people are injured in collisions.

Safety tips which could save a life:

• Don’t drive impaired. Both drugs and alcohol can affect a person’s ability to drive. On average, 25 people in Manitoba are killed yearly due to impaired driving.
• Buckle up! A person is nearly 40 times more likely to be killed and five times more likely to be seriously injured when not wearing a seatbelt.
• Don’t text and drive. On average, 30 people are killed yearly in Manitoba in a distracted driving collision.
• Speed kills. On average, almost 20 people are killed yearly in Manitoba in a speed-related collision.

Manitoba Public Insurance is once again funding a highly successful road safety initiative aimed at drivers who continue to illegally use hand-held electronic devices while driving.

Manitoba’s public auto insurer is providing funding to support enhanced police enforcement programs for the months of April, July and October. Participating police agencies this year will be Winnipeg, Brandon, Winkler, Morden and RCMP.

“On average, one in three road deaths and thousands of collisions are attributed to distracted driving annually,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“These dedicated projects are highly successful, resulting in nearly 13,000 offence notices issued over the last six years. Changing driver behaviour can be achieved by the combination of education, awareness and law enforcement.”

Distracted driving research

A driver is four times more likely to be in a crash if they talk on their phone while driving. Texting while driving makes a driver six times more likely to be in a crash, according to research focused on distracted driving.

Using a cellphone reduces the type of brain activity needed for driving by as much as 37 per cent. Other activities identified as distracted driving are: reading or writing while driving, reaching for an object, an extended glance at an outside object, browsing/scrolling on a cell phone, operating other in-vehicle controls or devices, interacting with passengers (particularly for teen drivers-passengers) and eating and drinking.

Stiff penalties

Drivers caught using a hand-operated electronic device while driving will receive an automatic three-day driver licence suspension and $672 fine. Upon conviction, the driver will also move down five levels on their Driver Safety Rating.

A second offence, within a 10-year period, results in an automatic seven-day driver licence suspension and $672 fine. Conviction will also result in five demerits.

Distracted driving collisions rising

Distracted driving collisions in the province increased from 2,415 in 2011 to 15,000 in 2017, according to Manitoba Public Insurance data. The direct insurance costs associated with distracted driving have been estimated at least $70 million per year, a figure that ultimately affects the insurance premiums that all vehicle owners pay.

In the first two months of 2019, preliminary counts report five people killed on public roadways in Manitoba. This total is significantly lower (62 per cent) than the same time frame in 2018 ─ a total of 13 people.

Over the last decade, the first two months of 2019 are well below the average of 10 people killed, according to Manitoba Public Insurance data.

Of note, there were no off-road vehicle (ORV) fatalities in the first two months of 2019. In the same period of 2018 there were three ORV fatalities.

Road fatalities in Manitoba continue to be attributed to distracted driving, impaired driving, speed and not wearing a seatbelt.

“Through continued use of education, heightened awareness and partnerships with agencies, MPI remains committed to saving the 100 people,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance. “While the first two months of 2019 are very positive, there is still much work to do as we strive for zero fatalities.

“The reality is that every single person killed in a motor vehicle collision over the last decade had a personal connection to someone. Each and every one of their lives mattered. Manitobans need to be less accepting towards road fatalities and more committed to driving motor vehicle-related deaths down to zero.”

In support of Manitoba’s provincial road safety action plan, MPI launched a new and innovative road safety awareness campaign ‘Save the 100’. The key objective of the campaign is to reduce tolerance/acceptance for traffic fatalities by asking Manitobans to look beyond the statistics and focus on the real people and real lives lost behind every lost life reported.

An equally important message is that every Manitoban has the power to bring the annual fatality count down to zero by changing how we think about road safety, the way we drive, and the decisions we make behind the wheel.

Road to Zero

In the fall of 2017, Manitoba’s Provincial Road Safety Committee released its road safety action plan. The Road to Zero: Manitoba Road Safety Plan 2017-2020 is the first plan of its kind in Manitoba, and provides a vision for Manitoba to have the safest roads in Canada. The plan adopts a safe systems approach to road safety in which road users, highway infrastructure, vehicle design and technology, legislation, enforcement, and health services all play a role in developing solutions to reduce or eliminate injury and death on our roadways.

Highlighted priorities from the plan include more coordinated research and planning between agencies within the safe system, early adoption of automated vehicle technology, improved safety for vulnerable road users through smart road design, evolving Manitoba’s traffic safety culture, reducing driver distraction and impairment, increasing awareness of medically at-risk drivers of all ages, and examining new speed management strategies to lower risk, among others.

A total of six charges have been laid against two individuals who allegedly committed separate frauds against Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Following extensive investigations, these files were forwarded to the provincial prosecution office for review,” explained Curtis Wennberg, vice-president, Customer Service and COO.

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

Education about auto insurance fraud is further heightened as March is Fraud Awareness Month in Canada.

Recently, MPI announced that auto insurance fraud costs every Manitoba Public Insurance ratepayer about $50 a year on their annual vehicle insurance bill and honest Manitobans are helping MPI more than ever. 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.

Suspicious claims are handled by MPI’s Special Investigation Unit which continues to enhance its investigative methods, saving Manitobans nearly $13 million in fraudulent claims last year ─ the highest claims savings in a decade.

Names of the individuals are not being made public as they are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the courts. Details of their alleged frauds are below:

“Bogus hit and run claim”

The registered owner opened a hit and run claim with MPI after stating he discovered damage while washing his car. The tall tale quickly unraveled after an eye witness came forward and said they had actually assisted the man, whose vehicle became stuck to another vehicle while backing up in a parking lot. After considerable effort both vehicles were detached.

The man then quickly drove away without leaving any details. Fortunately, the eye witness was able to provide a detailed description of the responsible driver and licence plate number.

The 39-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged with:

• Failure to leave information
• Fraud under $5,000
• Knowingly providing false information
• Making false statement

“Staged collision”

The registered owner told his MPI adjuster that his vehicle had been struck by another vehicle. Damage was significant to both vehicles. An investigation was launched after additional information was obtained by MPI staff.

An independent collision analyst was able to conclusively determine that a “bullet and target” collision was staged, whereas one vehicle is stationary at the time of the crash. When presented with this information the registered owner withdrew his claim ($8,600 saving to MPI ratepayers).

The 27-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged with the following:

• Fraud over $5,000
• Provide false information

More information about insurance fraud

Fraud Prevention Month is an annual campaign held in March that aims to prevent Canadians from becoming victims of fraud.

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

Manitoba Public Insurance is encouraging vehicle owners to inspect their extension and block-heater cords after several recent vehicle fires have been linked to electrical arcing.

A cracked extension cord, or block heater 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.

A 60-something driver holds the dubious distinction of becoming the first person to receive a seven-day driver licence suspension for using a smartphone while driving. Manitoba’s new distracted driving laws took effect November 1.

The driver’s first offence occurred in late November, resulting in an automatic three-day driver licence suspension. His second offence took place in early January in Portage la Prairie.

In total, nearly 300 drivers have been suspended since the new law came into effect. A second offence, coming within a 10-year period, results in a seven-day driver licence suspension.

“Distracted driving can result in a fatal collision,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for communications, Manitoba Public Insurance. “In 2017 alone, distracted driving was a contributing factor in more than 15,000 collisions, while 30 Manitobans lost their lives in distracted-related motor vehicle collisions.”

In addition to an immediate roadside suspension, drivers convicted of using a hand-operated electronic device while driving also face a fine of $672 and five demerits on their Driver Safety Rating Scale.

“Thanks to the front-line police officers who are working to keep our roads safe for everyone,” said Jatana. “The combination of law enforcement, education, heightened awareness and drivers changing their behaviour can Save the 100 on our roadways.”

La Société d’assurance publique du Manitoba avertit ses clients de ne pas répondre à un message texte offrant un virement électronique d’argent.

Le message texte, qui semble venir de la Société, demande au client de cliquer sur un lien qui enverra un remboursement par virement électronique. Les messages semblent venir de différents numéros de téléphone.

La Société ne procède de cette manière pour la conduite de ses affaires. Les clients qui ont des inquiétudes sont priés de communiquer avec leur agent Autopac ou avec le centre de communications de la Société au 204-985-7000.

Manitoba Public Insurance is warning its customers not to respond to a text which is offering an e-transfer of money.

The text, which appears to be from MPI, asks the customer to click a link which will send a refund via e-mail transfer. It appears that the e-transfers are coming from different phone numbers.

Manitoba Public Insurance does not conduct business in this manner. Customers who have concerns are asked to contact either their Autopac agent or Manitoba Public Insurance’s Contact Centre: 204-985-7000.