November 2007 Regional News Releases
Slow down for bad weather — November 7
New driver breaks the rules and commits fraud by lying to ICBC — November 6
Darker and wet days pose a hazard to pedestrians — November 5
ICBC recommends drivers Get a Grip — November 1
Slow down for bad weather — November 7
VICTORIA - ICBC, police and the provincial government are encouraging motorists to listen to their RoadSense this winter season. By promoting road safety awareness about winter weather and road conditions, we can reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities on Vancouver Island roads.
"We have to take the wet and sometimes unpredictable winter driving conditions in our region seriously," said Brian Sargent, Vancouver Island Loss Prevention Manager for ICBC. "Drivers need to be responsible for their vehicle's condition, especially tires, and must slow down when the roads are less than favourable."
In 2006, police reported over 1,900 casualty crashes on Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands and Powell River that were related to unsafe speed or weather. These crashes also resulted in over 1,140 people injured.
"The police want to remind motorists that posted speed limits are for ideal road conditions," said Staff Sergeant Doug Newman of the Capital Regional District's Integrated Road Safety Unit. "When the roads are wet, you need to reduce your speed, or possibly face a fine."
Honourable Ida Chong, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head and Pamela Madoff, Acting Mayor for the City of Victoria, were at today's campaign launch. They witnessed first-hand what happens to unbelted occupants in a rollover collision, when a rollover simulator pitched adult-sized dummies from the simulator.
The warning to be aware of changing weather conditions is not only for motorists. Pedestrians and other road users also need to be cautious. Rain and darkness can be a dangerous combination as visibility is reduced. In 2006, over 300 pedestrians were involved in crashes in this region. Tips to stay safe include:
- wearing reflective clothing,
- crossing at marked and brightly lit intersections, and
- exercising caution at all times.
Fewer crashes and less severe crashes also help to keep auto insurance rates low and stable. Rates are directly impacted by the number of crashes that occur on the roads. Increased crashes result in more ICBC claims which require additional insurance premiums to cover claims costs. ICBC wants to keep insurance rates low and stable, but motorists need to do their part by driving safely. Be prepared for bad weather and slow down
This campaign runs from November 1- 30, 2007. For more information, please visit: http://www.icbc.com/road_safety/crash_location.asp
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Tamara McLean
Marketing & Communications VI Region
250-414-7883 or 250-889-2144
New driver breaks the rules and commits fraud by lying to ICBC — November 6
ICBC has a zero tolerance for fraud
Saeed Mansour is facing the consequences of breaking the graduated licensing rules and lying to ICBC. The 48 year old, Surrey resident had a learner driver's licence and drove without a qualified supervisor when he was involved in a crash. He later lied to ICBC about who was in the vehicle at the time of the crash and as a result, was charged with providing false information to ICBC, an offence under the Insurance (Motor Vehicle) Act, Sec 42.1. Mansour recently appeared in Surrey Provincial Court, where he pleaded guilty to the charge. He was fined $1500, as well as had his claim denied and must repay ICBC over $13,000 for other costs associated with the crash.
"The graduated licensing rules apply to all new drivers, regardless of their age. The program is designed to ensure new drivers gain the driving experience they need in a controlled, low-risk environment. This helps to keep new drivers safe, as well everyone else on our roads," said Mark Withenshaw, ICBC vice-president of Driver Licensing.
On April 22, 2006, Mansour was involved in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of King George Highway and 96th Avenue in Surrey. At the time, Mansour had his learner's driver licence and was required by law to drive with a qualified supervisor - who is 25 years old or older and holds a valid, full-privilege, BC driver's licence. Mansour did not have a qualified supervisor in his vehicle.
Aware that he had broken the graduated licensing rules, Mansour called a family member and asked that they attend the crash scene. Within minutes Mansour's relative arrived, and approached the occupants of the other vehicle asking them to lie to ICBC about who was in the vehicle. They refused and helped ICBC uncover the truth.
"Proving false information or exaggerating your claim is a type of fraud," said Steve Tripp, ICBC manager of Fraud Prevention Strategies. "ICBC has zero tolerance for fraud. We combat fraud to deter others and to recover fraudulent payments, which helps to keep rates low and stable."
Last year, BC motorists saved more than $75 million thanks to ICBC anti-fraud programs. 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.
Darker and wet days pose a hazard to pedestrians — November 5
Autoplan broker campaign urges pedestrians to make eye contact with drivers
November is one of the most dangerous months for pedestrians. The darker, wet days create difficult driving conditions, making it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. Unfortunately, in crash incidents involving pedestrians and motorists, it is the pedestrian who suffers - often with tragic results.
Walking across the street may seem like an easy task but current police reports indicate that in 2006, 65 pedestrians were killed and 2,500 pedestrians were injured in crashes on B.C. roads. That same year in the Lower Mainland, police reported nearly 1,800 injuries and 40 fatalities in pedestrian-related crashes.
To raise awareness about pedestrian safety, the Autoplan brokers and ICBC have launched an education campaign reminding pedestrians to make eye contact before crossing the street. Advertisements will run throughout November in newspapers, transit and on television.
The campaign also reminds pedestrians to dress to be seen by wearing bright-coloured clothing or reflective items, especially at night. To demonstrate the importance of wearing bright and reflective clothing, the Autoplan brokers have produced a short video featuring an "invisibly dressed" pedestrian dummy that is struck by a car travelling at 50 km/h and 70 km/h at night. The video can be viewed online at www.roadsafety.ca or www.icbc.com.
In an average year, pedestrian incidents account for approximately one per cent of all crashes, but roughly 15 per cent of all fatalities. The police attribute pedestrian error and/or confusion as the leading contributing factors for pedestrians in pedestrian-involved collisions. While the leading contributing factors for drivers in pedestrian incidents are driver inattention and failing to yield the right of way when turning.
Pedestrians should always cross at intersections or marked crosswalks, and remember to make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb. "Even at a marked crosswalk, motorists may not see a pedestrian due to darkness, bad weather or distractions," said Tony Lau, of Tony Lau Insurance. "Making eye contact with drivers before crossing ensures that drivers are prepared to give the pedestrian the right of way."
"Pedestrians often don't think about the serious consequences of being involved in a collision. Because of the weight and speed of vehicles, even a slow speed pedestrian collision can cause severe harm to pedestrians," said Staff Sergeant Ralph Pauw of the Vancouver Police Department. "That's why it is so important for pedestrians to make eye contact and be visible by wearing reflective clothing."
Throughout November, Autoplan brokers, ICBC, police, community volunteers and City of Vancouver Traffic Management staff will be partnering in local pedestrian safety activities to educate road-users and ticket offenders who disobey traffic laws.
The Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Police Service will also be educating skytrain-users during the month by increasing their pedestrian related traffic enforcement in and around transit locations, as well as relaying pedestrian safety tips.
"The GVTA Police Service is pleased to join with ICBC and our partners in policing in this important safety initiative. Darkness is falling even earlier, and as the pace of travel quickens in the approaching rush of the holiday season, the safety of pedestrians moving to and from the transit system requires that drivers and pedestrians alike be aware of the habits that keep them from harm," comments Dan Dureau, GVTA Operations Inspector.
To find out more about the pedestrian awareness campaign and how brokers in your community are doing their part to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, talk to your local Autoplan broker or visit www.roadsafety.ca.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Paul Goodman, ICBC Loss Prevention, 604-341-1674
Kathleen Nadalin, ICBC Loss Prevention, 604-786-6455
Staff Sergeant Ralph Pauw, Vancouver Police Department, 604-717-2988
ICBC recommends drivers Get a Grip — November 1
Corporation gives away thousands in winter tires to northern drivers
Winter is here and with it, the hazards of driving in snowy and icy conditions. ICBC wants to remind drivers that when it comes to safety, a set of four quality winter tires can make all the difference. And to promote the use of winter tires, the Corporation is giving all northern B.C. residents the chance to win them.
This November, at local hockey games throughout the North Central region, ICBC Loss Prevention coordinators will be awarding up to $1000 towards a set of brand new winter tires to lucky hockey fans. “In addition to recommending winter tires through our educational advertising, we also wanted to let people experience the difference for themselves,” explains ICBC Regional Loss Prevention coordinator Dave Turko , organizer of the region-wide campaign. “A driver who owns winter tires notices the significant difference they make to winter driving, and often encourages friends and family to make the investment too.”
Seven communities throughout the North Central region are participating in the Get A Grip campaign. Local attendees will receive a ticket as they enter the arena, and four lucky winners will compete in an on-ice tire roll for the new tires, except in Prince George where the winner is randomly drawn from the audience. Participants must be 19 years and older and a legal resident of British Columbia to win.
“The message we want to send is that all-season tires are simply not recommended for winter driving in the North Central region,” says Turko. “The fact is, all-seasons don’t have the traction to deal with the conditions we regularly experience on northern roads. They freeze in colder conditions, and don’t grip to the pavement, whereas winter tires provide better traction and braking in deep snow as well as greater stability and control on icy and slushy roads.”
Some winter tires also offer features such as studs, specialized rubber compounds or additional traction enhancers moulded directly into the tire to allow for better grip in icy conditions. Studded tires are only permitted on B.C. roads between October 1st and April 30th.
The regional Get A Grip contest runs for the month of November. Here is a list of participating
North Central communities and hockey arenas:
| Date | Community/Arena | Home Team |
| November 3 | Williams Lake - Cariboo Memorial Complex | Stampeders |
| November 3 | Terrace - Terrace Arena | River Kings |
| November 9 | Prince George - CN Centre | Cougars (draw only) |
| November 10 | Smithers - Smithers Civic Centre | Steelheads |
| November 14 | Dawson Creek - Memorial Arena | Jr. Canucks |
| November 28 | Fort St. John - North Peace Rec. Centre | Huskies |
| November 30 | Quesnel – Quesnel and District Twin Arenas | Millionaires |
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dave Turko
ICBC Loss Prevention
250-877-9060
Alyson Gourley-Cramer
ICBC Marketing and Communications
250-561-5006