ICBC reminds drivers to stay safe this weekend — April 7

After a long winter, many British Columbians take advantage of the first long weekend of the year by taking a road trip. To help ensure that everyone has a safe journey during the Easter weekend, ICBC is reminding all motorists to keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Long weekend traffic and weather conditions may mean that you need to slow down and keep your distance on the road.
• If this weekend is your first road trip of the year, check the condition of your vehicle and make sure that it is ready for a longer drive. Ensure that all your tires, including the spare, are in good shape and properly inflated.
• Even in spring, you may encounter winter road conditions in some parts of the province. Check weather and road reports before you leave home, and be prepared for all types of driving conditions.
• In any situation where your visibility is reduced, drivers are urged to reduce their speed, increase the following distance and watch for pedestrians and cyclists.

In 2003, more than 1,300 people were injured and eight people died in crashes over the Easter long weekend period.

If you are involved in a crash and need to file a claim, ICBC's Dial-A-Claim service is open 24 hours a day, including holidays, at 604-520-8222 or 1-800-910-4222. You can also file your claim online.

For more information contact:
Doug McClelland 604-982-2476
Moira Wellwood 604-982-2480
Marion Phillips 250-979-4618 (S. Interior & ; North Central B.C.)
Lyall Woznesensky 250-729-3540 (Vancouver Island)

"Road Safety Is No Accident" — April 5

April 7th is World Health Day

On April 7th, 2004, the World Health Organization will launch World Health Day. The message this year is “Road Safety is No Accident”.

World Health Day (WHD) is an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO). WHD is an annual advocacy event to draw attention to major health issues. In a response to a growing concern globally about road traffic injuries, for the first time in its history, the WHO has selected Road Safety as the theme.

Each year, more than 1.2 million men, women and children die as the result of motor vehicle collisions. Millions more are seriously injured. Motor vehicle collisions have a devastating emotional toll on the family and friends of the victims.

In B.C., motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of accidental death and death due to injury. They are the number one killer of youth.

Members of the media may wish to draw upon the perspectives of people and organizations which have taken a leadership role in making our roads safer. The following individuals are available to speak with the media:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General
Rich Coleman is B.C.'s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. He can speak about the steps that government has taken to enhance road safety, other initiatives being developed and discussed, and the role of the public in helping make our streets and communities safer. (Contact ph.: 250—356—6961)

Nick Geer, President and CEO, ICBC
Geer can speak about the investments that ICBC makes in road safety and their role in keeping insurance rates low. ICBC works with community partners on education and awareness programs, and with police and governments on enhanced enforcement, driver licensing (GLP) and road improvements. (Contact ph.: 604-982-2476)

Allan Lamb, Executive Director, BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation
The mission of BCAA's Traffic Safety Foundation is to protect and save lives on BC's roads. Lamb can speak to why World Health Day is such an important opportunity to raise the profile of road safety across our province. BCAA's Traffic Safety Foundation is committed to community-based initiatives that can help reduce injuries and save lives on our roads, and Lamb can elaborate on those important initiatives. (Contact ph.: 604 -297- 2151)

Bryan Lowes, Executive Director, B.C. Safety Council
The B.C. Safety Council is a not-for-profit organization that provides professional safety education and training throughout BC in the fields of traffic safety and driver education, occupational safety and health, and community safety. The Council is also a public advocate for improved public policy in traffic safety, and Lowes can speak to individual driver responsibility behind the wheel. (Contact ph.: 604 -214 -7433)

Chief Cst. Paul Shrive, President, B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police
Chief Constable Shrive is President of the British Columbia Association of Chiefs of Police. Chief Shrive can speak about the critical role of BC's police forces in securing the safety of the public and the reduction of harm on BC's roadways. (Contact ph.: 604 -469 -4652)

Terry Smith, B.C. Chief Coroner
Terry Smith is the Chief Coroner for the province. As Chief Coroner, he can speak first hand to the many deaths on our roads that are caused by a moment of thoughtlessness or wrong decision that ultimately could have been avoided. Smith can speak to the devastating effects of road traffic fatalities. (Contact ph.: 604 -660 -7737)

In B.C., on a typical day: there is a car crash every two minutes and someone is injured every seven minutes.

In B.C., in an average year there are 419 fatalities: 110 caused by drinking and driving and 153 caused by aggressive driving; 158 fatalities are unbelted; and 57 pedestrians are killed. (Some fatalities are combinations of the above causes.) Please join us in helping to reduce the frequency and severity of motor vehicle crashes.

More information is available at www.icbc.com or www.who.int/world-health — day/2004.

For more information contact:
Doug McClelland 604-982-2476
Moira Wellwood 604-982-2480

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