December 2007 Provincial News Releases
Nanaimo resident ordered to pay ICBC more than $87,000 — December 18
Drinking Driving CounterAttack roadchecks on now — December 1
Nanaimo resident ordered to pay ICBC more than $87,000 — December 18
ICBC has a zero tolerance for fraud
A B.C. Supreme Court has ordered Cole Owen Adams of Nanaimo to pay ICBC $87,337.90 in damages. The ruling concludes a civil action filed by ICBC against Adams in November 2006, related to four stolen vehicles claims from 2003.
ICBC was seeking to recover the costs paid out for the stolen vehicles claims, plus the costs to investigate, legal fees and punitive damages. On December 12, 2007, ICBC was awarded $47,337.90 in special damages for the recovery of all external and internal expenses, and $40,000 in punitive damages.
"We are very pleased with this award. It reinforces our zero tolerance for fraud," said Steve Tripp, ICBC manager of Fraud Prevention and Investigation. "We combat fraud to deter others and to recover fraudulent payments, which helps to keep rates low and stable," said Tripp.
The scheme was uncovered on February 5, 2004, when Nanaimo RCMP searched Adams' home and found three dismantled vehicles, and the license plate from the fourth stolen vehicle. The vehicles, a 1989 Honda Civic, 1999 Honda Civic, 1996 Acura and 1997 Honda Civic, were stolen from Nanaimo and Vancouver.
In addition to the civil action, Adams has also been convicted of possession of stolen property, an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. He received a nine month conditional sentence, one year of probation and was fined a $100 victim service fee.
ICBC invests more in fraud prevention and investigation than most property and casualty insurance companies in Canada. Customers are encouraged to do their part to help fight fraud by reporting suspicious, exaggerated or fraudulent claims. Information provided to ICBC's fraud tips line (604-661-6844 or 1-800-661-6844) is confidential and callers can remain anonymous.
Drinking Driving CounterAttack roadchecks on now — December 1
Motorists stopped from Whistler to Boston Bar in an effort to get drinking drivers off the road
This year’s holiday season Drinking Driving CounterAttack campaign kicked off on December 1. More than 125 RCMP and municipal police officers, as well as members of the Integrated Road Safety Units, set up roadchecks along Highway 1 from Whistler to Boston Bar.
Air1, B.C.’s traffic safety helicopter, provided aerial support, while ICBC representatives attended the roadchecks to raise awareness about Operation Red Nose and other ways to get home safe this holiday season. The blitz was a part of the month-long provincial campaign dedicated to getting drinking drivers off B.C. roads.
“Drinking and driving is a serious offence with potentially deadly consequences,” said Solicitor General John Les, who participated in this holiday seasons’ first CounterAttack roadcheck. “We've brought in stronger impaired driving legislation with a focus on increased enforcement, higher penalties and mandatory rehabilitation to deal with drunk drivers but the best way to save lives is to not drive drunk in the first place .”
Drunk drivers stopped at the roadchecks or elsewhere face a range of penalties, including immediate 24-hour roadside suspensions and vehicle impoundment, 90-day driving prohibitions, criminal charges, fines, jail time, mandatory rehabilitation, and ignition interlock. ICBC’s Driver Risk Premium also comes into effect January 2008, and will result in high-risk drivers paying hundreds, and in some cases thousands of dollars more each year.
CounterAttack is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Nicolas Jimenez, ICBC’s director of Road Safety, credits the success of the program to a combination of enforcement and public awareness. “We’ve seen significant reductions in drinking and driving over the years, thanks in part to CounterAttack. And now, new enforcement strategies and tools for police are producing even stronger results. But drinking and driving remains a serious concern as too many people are injured or killed in alcohol-related crashes each year,” said Jimenez .
Prior to the launch of CounterAttack in 1977, B.C. had the highest number of alcohol-related traffic crashes in the country. Drunk drivers caused more than 300 deaths on B.C. roads in 1976. Thirty years later, B.C.’s population has increased by about 60 per cent, but the number of alcohol-related deaths on B.C. roads has declined by more than half. 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. Approximately 28 per cent of all motor vehicle fatalities in 2005 were related to drinking and driving.
ICBC invests in road safety to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities, which also help to keep insurance rates low and stable. ICBC also supports police by providing approximately $17 million towards enhanced enforcement, including CounterAttack roadchecks. This year’s CounterAttack campaign also includes ICBC-funded radio, restaurant, bar and transit advertising, as well as ICBC-developed television and radio public service announcements carried by the B.C. Association of Broadcasters.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kate Best: 604-816-7983
