Rural Manitobans less likely to buckle up, more Winnipeggers drive distracted: MPI study

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Rural Manitoba motorists are more likely not to buckle up while Winnipeg drivers are more apt to use a cell phone or other electronic device while behind the wheel, according to road safety observation study commissioned last fall by Manitoba Public Insurance.

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The study found that non-seatbelt use is higher in rural Manitoba with 10% of all drivers observed not wearing their seatbelt, compared to 3% in the Winnipeg capital region with the two worst regions being Interlake (16%) and Parkland (14%). Meanwhile, the study reported use of an electronic communication device (ECD) was higher in Winnipeg (10%), compared to rural areas (3%). Overall, 7% of Manitoba drivers were observed were using an ECD in some capacity with their use highest among younger drivers.

“The purpose of this study was to obtain current rates of risky driving behaviour across Manitoba, with a focus on use of hand-operated electronic devices and seatbelt use,” said Satvir Jatana, MPI’s Chief Customer Officer in a press release. “The findings of this study will be used as a benchmark to monitor behaviour change over time, and shared with the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police for the purpose of planning future enforcement and awareness campaigns.”

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The road safety study was conducted in September with nearly 29,000 vehicles observed in 46 towns and cities with a population of at least 1,000 in the Winnipeg capital region, Central Plains, Eastman, Interlake, Northern, Parkland, Pembina Valley and Westman.

“Driving without a seatbelt is another example of dangerous driving that can ultimately lead to preventable accidents among our clients,” said Grant Wainikka, CEO of Insurance Brokers Association of Manitoba. “Both non-seatbelt usage and distracted driving due to cell phones can lead to more severe accidents and in the long-term, higher premiums for Manitoba drivers. Safety needs to be the driver’s number one priority when behind the wheel.”

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The study is considered to have an overall error rate of plus or minus 0.5%.

Study Highlights:

– Overall, 7% of all drivers observed were using an electronic communication device (ECD) in some capacity;

– ECD use appeared to be higher in areas with traffic lights;

– ECD use is highest among younger drivers;

– Overall, 7% of all drivers observed were not wearing their seatbelt;

– Those driving trucks had slightly higher rates of not wearing a seatbelt compared to passenger cars or vans/SUVs;

– Drivers in rural areas wore their seatbelt less often across all age groups; and

– In cases where the driver was not wearing their seatbelt, 54% of passengers were also not wearing their seatbelt.

– Manitoba Public Insurance