Over 3000 collisions have occurred this month due to drivers overlooking winter road conditions, according to Manitoba Public Insurance. A total of 10,000 collisions were reported during the first three weeks of January, 2000 of those due to driving too fast for road conditions and 1,300 due to drivers following too close.
“Road conditions contribute to three times as many crashes in January, compared to the rest of the year. It’s at this time of year in particular that motorists need to make adjustments to avoid collisions. This includes keeping safe distances between vehicles, keeping windshields clear, watching for pedestrians and cyclists, and driving to conditions,” said Satvir Jatana, Vice-President, Employee and Community Engagement, Manitoba Public Insurance.
However, the number of collisions in January 2020 has remained lower than the three year average of about 18,000 with 80% of collision claims occurring in Winnipeg.
Drivers are being reminded to take precaution when driving in winter conditions by getting winter tires, leaving more space between vehicles, and checking conditions before driving.
