With winter settling in and driving conditions deteriorating, Manitobans are invited to apply for the new winter tire low-interest financing program. Since being launched this fall, more than 10,000 people have already signed up, Justice Minister James Allum and Manitoba Public Insurance announced.
“Driving on ice and snow can be dangerous but proper winter tires can vastly increase control and safety,” said Minister Allum, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance. “The low-interest winter tire financing program helps all Manitobans purchase snow tires and give their families added protection when on the roads.”
With winter road conditions making driving challenging, even more vehicle owners are expected to take advantage of the accident prevention program, which was introduced by the Government of Manitoba this year, Minister Allum said.
The program, which is administered by Manitoba’s public auto insurer, provides loans of up to 48 months at prime plus two per cent up to $2,000 per vehicle.
“Even if you’re the safest driver in the world, snow and ice-covered roads can still give you problems,” said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance. “Winter tires reduce braking distances by lessening sliding on ice and snow. This action could prevent a collision.”
- Winter tires significantly reduce braking stopping distances on all cold-weather road surfaces.
- 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-seasons.
- Winter tires offer significantly better traction on snow-covered or icy road surfaces at temperatures well below -30°C than an all-season tire has at 4°C.
Customers interested in participating in the program are encouraged to visit Manitoba Public Insurance’s website which outlines who qualifies and other business rules relating to the program.
“We have tried to make the application process as convenient and easy as possible,” said Kempe. “It’s encouraging to see Manitobans take full advantage of this road-safety initiative.”
