Did you know?

In 2021 Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) reports a total of 45,361 collisions in our province. As a result of these collisions 5947 people were injured and 67 people tragically lost their lives.  Many of these collisions resulting in injuries and death were related to preventable actions¹.

Many of us drive our vehicles every day, this includes driving to work. Regardless, if you are a seasoned driver or just starting out, it is crucial to prioritize safety on the road. It is important to think about the hazards we may encounter while driving.

Some hazards we may experience are:

• Adverse weather conditions 

• Driver fatigue 

• Distracted driving: such as driving while eating, smoking, grooming, reading directions or using electronic devices

• Leaning, reaching, or adjusting vehicle controls

• Outside distractions, including advertising, wildlife, people, and other incidents

• Driving when emotional - upset, angry, or stressed

What are some best practices for safe driving?

• Have regular maintenance done on your vehicle.

• Conduct inspections of your vehicle prior to using (checking tires, oil level, fuel level, wiper blade condition etc.).

• Get plenty of rest prior to driving.

• Wear your seatbelt.

• Respect speed limits.

• Avoid distractions, put away your phone, avoid eating while driving and limit other distractions.

• Plan your route before departure and leave enough time to make your trip safely.

• Adjust your speed to road and weather conditions.

• Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists.

• Check blind spots before changing lanes.

• Ensure your windshield is free of snow, dirt, frost and ice. 

Always follow best practices to keep safe when driving on the roads.

¹ https://www.mpi.mb.ca/Documents/TCSR2021.pdf

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