Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has announced that it is continuing its Winter Tire Program for an eighth consecutive year this 2022.
The program provides low-interest financing at prime, plus 2% on up to $2,000 per vehicle to eligible individuals, to allow them to purchase winter tires – as well as any related products and services.
According to MPI, the program has provided over 195,000 loans since its inception in 2014.
“Research has shown that using winter tires increases traction, making it easier to get out of the snow and can cut stopping distance by 25 per cent or more, which is why MPI’s Winter Tire Program is an important tool in helping to prevent as many collisions as possible,” said MPI vice president and chief operating officer Marnie Kacher.
MPI’s program offers loans of up to 48 months. Interested drivers can approach a participating winter tire retailer throughout the province of Manitoba to confirm their eligibility and have the loan authorization processed.
Together with its announcement of the Winter Tire Program, MPI has also urged drivers to adjust to winter road conditions to reduce their risk of being in a collision. Citing its own data, MPI warned that about 40% of all collisions per year occur between November and February.
“With challenging road conditions during the winter, it’s important to make responsible decisions behind the wheel, like driving to conditions, leaving for your destination earlier than needed, allowing more time to stop, and making sure your windows are all clear of ice and snow,” said Kacher. “All of these choices, including using winter tires, can contribute to keeping you and your vehicle as safe as possible.”
Read more: MPI kicks off safe driving speaker campaign
Earlier this week, MPI launched its Friends for Life speaker series, which will see guest speakers visit students across the province to share their first-hand accounts of how high-risk driving decisions can lead to consequences.
