Kelowna resident pays the price for drinking and driving, and then lying to ICBC — December 20

ICBC has a zero tolerance for fraud

Mark McConachie is facing serious consequences for drinking and driving, and then lying to ICBC. The 28 year-old, Kelowna resident, was recently charged with providing false information to ICBC, an offence under the Insurance (Motor Vehicle) Act, Sec. 42.1. McConachie appeared in Kelowna Provincial Court earlier this month where he pleaded guilty to the charge. He was fined $1,500, prohibited from driving for one year, and must repay ICBC over $3,700 for the costs associated with the crash.

"This driver committed two very serious offences. It is simply unacceptable to drink and drive, and proving false information or exaggerating your claim is a type of fraud" said Steve Tripp, ICBC manager of the Fraud Prevention and Investigation. "ICBC has zero tolerance for fraud. We combat it to deter others and to recover fraudulent payments, which helps to keep rates low and stable" said Tripp.

Shortly after midnight on December 13, 2006, McConachie was involved in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Bernard Avenue and Pandosy Street in Kelowna. McConachie ran a red light colliding with a motorist travelling through the intersection, and then fled the scene.

On the morning of December 14, 2006 McConachie reported to the Kelowna RCMP that he had been involved in a crash and fled the scene. He was ticketed for failing to remain at the scene of a crash and running a red light. These tickets carry a combined fine of $535 and five driver penalty points.

Later in December 2006, McConachie contacted ICBC to report the claim. According to his statement, he had nothing to drink but milk during the evening of the crash. Unfortunately for McConachie, the milk story was spoilt when witness information revealed he had been drinking minutes prior to the crash.

Drinking and driving remains a serious problem in B.C., with 127 lives lost and approximately 3,400 people injured in alcohol-related crashes in 2005. ICBC is urging motorists not to drink and drive, plan ahead to get home safely this season - have a designated driver, take transit, call a cab or call a friend.

Plan a safe ride — December 5

Police roadchecks are on now

VICTORIA - ICBC, police and the provincial government are reminding motorists of the dangers of drinking and driving and urge you to plan a safe ride home.

Despite decades of impaired driving awareness, drinking drivers are still responsible for approximately one in 10 injury collisions in the province, and about one of every four fatal crashes involves alcohol.

"Police roadchecks are on now, so plan a safe ride home this holiday season," says ICBC Loss Prevention Manager, Brian Sargent. "You or your passengers could be injured or killed in a crash, and you risk losing your licence, time in jail and possibly a criminal record."

In 2005 there were approximately 1,030 alcohol related crashes on Vancouver Island. Out of those crashes there were about 690 injured victims and 21 fatal victims. Those statistics are higher than the previous year 2004, when there were approximately 920 alcohol related crashes including about 640 injured victims and 17 fatal victims.

While drinking and driving results in an unacceptable number of crashes, there are other consequences for consideration as well. Having your vehicle impounded, paying stiff fines or facing jail time with the promise of a criminal record for life, could all have a serious effect on your holidays, not to mention the rest of your life.

CounterAttack police roadchecks were introduced 30 years ago and continue to be a successful element of the police campaign. They are on now, up and down Vancouver Island, and will take place throughout the holiday season. If you expect to drink, don't take any chances. Plan to take a bus, call a cab, arrange for a designated driver or phone someone for a ride. If you're having a party or gathering, have plenty of non-alcoholic options available and make sure all your guests have a safe way to travel or insist that they stay.

For more information contact:
Tamara McLean
Marketing & Communications VI Region
250 414-7883 or 250 889-2144

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