Vehicles equipped with winter tires are in fewer crashes than vehicles without winter tires, according to a Manitoba Public Insurance report issued last year. 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.
“This MPI study confirmed that the use of winter tires can prevent collisions by reducing braking distances and enhance vehicle handling on snow covered, icy road surfaces,” said Satvir Jatana, MPI’s Chief Customer Officer. “Loss prevention strategies of this nature ultimately benefit our customers through lower rates achieved by reduced collision counts. Consumers are encouraged to educate themselves about the safety benefits to winter tires as we enter into the winter months – a time frame where collisions typically rise due to poor driving conditions and less than ideal road conditions.”
Quick Facts:
- The average loan term is 2.9 years
- Average loan amount is $1,246
- There are 767 participating retailers in the province – 368 located in Winnipeg
- Since its introduction seven years ago, 173,487 loans have been processed under the province’s Low-Interest Winter Tire Program which is administrated by Manitoba Public Insurance.
- At temperatures just below freezing on dry pavement, winter tires have been shown to reduce stopping distances by as much as 30 per cent compared with all-season tires.
- Winter tires offer significantly better traction on snow-covered or icy road surfaces at temperatures well below -30 C than all-season tires have at 4 C.
About winter tires
Winter tires have a cold weather rubber compound and tread patterns designed to perform on wet, snow covered and icy surfaces. Numerous road safety studies confirm that winter tires reduce braking distances by lessening sliding on ice and snow.
Winter tires are equipped with a special single-directional tread pattern that actually pushes away snow and ice. They also have a deeper tread depth than their all-season counterparts, for better performance in snowy road conditions.
About the loan program
The program provides loans of up to 48 months at prime plus two per cent up to $2,000 per vehicle. Participation is as easy as going to any one of participating winter tire retailers throughout the province to confirm eligibility and have the loan authorization processed.
Eligible tires display a snowflake symbol, as endorsed by Transport Canada. This symbol indicates that the tires have met specific snow traction performance requirements and are designed to be used in severe snow conditions.
Financing remains available to eligible customers for the purchase of winter tires in addition to associated installation costs including rims, tire pressure monitoring system, addition of studs to tires (some limitations apply), mounting and balancing, wheel alignment and shop supplies.
Customers interested in participating in the program are encouraged to visit mpi.mb.ca for more information on program rules and to select a participating retailer.
