With an eye towards road safety, nearly 30,000 Manitobans have signed up for the province’s new winter tire low-interest financing program. This announcement was made by Justice Minister James Allum and Manitoba Public Insurance.
“The overwhelming positive response confirms that Manitoba drivers make their road safety a priority,” said Minister Allum, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance. “This low-interest winter tire financing program allowed Manitobans to equip their vehicles with snow tires, which offer a number of safety advantages.”
The low-interest winter tire program was first introduced by the Government of Manitoba last fall and administrated by Manitoba Public Insurance.
“This was a pilot project which will be reviewed over the next few months to determine whether it will move forward,” said MaryAnn Kempe, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.
“From a road safety perspective, winter tires are very effective in reducing braking distances by lessening sliding on ice and snow. This action could prevent a collision.”
Quick Facts:
- The average length of a winter tire loan was 2.99 years
- The average purchase was $1,200
- 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.
The program provided loans of up to 48 months at prime plus two per cent up to $2,000 per vehicle. Customers still 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.
