MPI issues warning over teen drivers

In recognition of National Teen Driver Safety Week – which runs from October 18 to 24 – Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has shared some teen driver statistics to help raise safety awareness.

According to the insurer’s data, teen drivers have been involved in 10% of fatal crashes and 8% of injury crashes from 2010 to 2019.

MPI also noted the following teen driver collision involvement rate statistics:

• Teen drivers are 3.1 times more likely to follow too closely than drivers aged 45 and older.
• They are 3.5 times more likely to speed than drivers aged 45 and up.
• They are 3.6 times more likely to lose control/drive off-road than drivers aged 45 and up.
• They are 10.2 times more likely to experience extreme fatigue or fall asleep behind the wheel than drivers aged 45 and up.
• They are 3.6 times more likely to drive impaired than drivers aged 45 and up.

“Many teen drivers fully observe the rules of the road. However, it’s important to reinforce the importance of safe driving and the impact of high-risk driving behaviours. For the safety of all motorists on our roadways,” said MPI vice-president, employee and community engagement Satvir Jatana.

MPI also announced that its high school driver education program, Driver Z, is now in its second year. The program consists of interactive e-lessons, and includes videos and quizzes to test students’ theoretical knowledge about driving.