June 2005 Regional News Releases
ICBC fraudster pleads guilty — June 14
When will you stop Drinking and Driving — June 8
ICBC fraudster pleads guilty — June 14
A Maple Ridge man is facing the consequences of providing false information to ICBC.
Faisal Choudhry, who appeared in court on Port Coquitlam on June 6, 2005 and pleaded guilty to charges under the Insurance (Motor Vehicle) Act, received a $2,000 fine. His claim for vehicle damage valued at $1,120 has also been denied.
“ICBC has a zero tolerance policy for fraudulent claims,” said Mark Withenshaw, ICBC vice president of loss management. “We will not sit back and simply pass the cost of fraud onto our customers.”
ICBC estimates that fraud costs each policyholder between $100 and $150 every year.
In May 2004, Choudhry was driving with two passengers when his vehicle crashed. He did not have a valid driver's licence, and told police and ICBC that one of the passengers had been the driver at the time of the crash. Further investigation and interviews with witnesses determined that his statements were false.
B.C. motorists saved more than $70 million in 2004 thanks to ICBC anti-fraud programs, according to year-end figures. The figure is based on the estimated value of fraudulent claims which were denied, money recovered and savings generated through fraud prevention.
ICBC's Tip Line is a tool
that helps combat fraud, averaging more than 1,000 calls every month
from people reporting a range of vehicle-related issues. Information
is confidential and callers can remain anonymous. The Tip Line number
is 604-661-6844 or 1-800-661-6844.
For more information contact:
Tamara McLean
250 414-7883
250 889-2144 cell
When will you stop Drinking and Driving — June 8
Get Home Safe
VICTORIA, B.C. -The months of summer have arrived and ICBC is reminding motorists of the consequences of drinking and driving. On Vancouver Island in 2004, police identified approximately 900 impaired driving incidents, resulting in 600 injuries.
Across the province in 2004, 80% of drinking drivers in alcohol related crashes were male and in June alone, there were approximately 3 alcohol related fatalities.
“You're putting yourself and others at incredible risk when you choose to drink and drive - is it really worth it?” asks Lyall Woznesensky, ICBC's Loss Prevention Manager for Vancouver Island. “Our summertime awareness campaign is an effort to reduce the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities on Vancouver Island.”
Here are some Get Home Safe tips that you can use if you are planning to host a barbeque or other summer event:
- Make sure your guests have planned for a safe ride home;
- Have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages on hand, such as mocktails, pop, juice and water;
- Since alcohol works fast on an empty stomach, serve plenty of foods and snacks;
- Don't force drinks on your guests. Respect the wishes of those who say “No Thanks”.
You could win a prize by entering the “Get Home Safe” contest on www.vinewsgroup.com/icbc or by accessing the web site of your local Vancouver Island News Group.
Visit ICBC's website for more road safety tips.
For more information contact:
Tamara McLean
250 414-7883
250 889-2144 cell
