MPI issues bulletin on winter driving safety

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has issued a bulletin warning all drivers to be careful on the road, as a winter storm approaches the province this week.

Environment Canada said that around 10 to 20 centimetres of snow is expected for most of southern Manitoba this week, while communities like Dauphin, Russell and Roblin could see as much as 25 centimetres.

In anticipation of the storm, MPI has shared several safety tips for drivers to follow:

• Before you head out on the highway, check for road and weather conditions by calling 511.
• Be cautious in travelling on overpasses and bridges. The surfaces on these structures can freeze quickly due to no ground insulation.
• Don’t rush. Give yourself five or 10 extra minutes to get to your destination safely.
• See where you’re going. At this time of year, keeping windshields clear is essential so make sure windshield washer fluid is topped up and windows are clear of snow and ice.
• Allow more time to stop. Traction is reduced when roads are slippery; it takes more time to come to a complete stop. If you don’t have winter tires, it’s not too late to get them.
• Leave more space. Don’t tailgate at any time and remember that following distance should be increased when travelling at higher speeds or in poor visibility.

In its 2020 Traffic Collision Statistics Report, MPI noted that during the winter months of January, February, and December 2020, their combined number of traffic collision victims accounted for a “disproportionate” 35% of all victims for that year.