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December 2008 news releases

Provincial news releases

Oh dear! No deer... — December 23
Report a claim through the holidays and snow — December 22
ICBC rental car contracts to save $5-million a year — December 10
Backgrounder: rental cars for ICBC customers — December 10
Frequently asked questions on rental vehicles — December 10
Holiday CounterAttack roadchecks on now — December 5
Information on employee reprimands — December 4
Backgrounder: Freedom of Information request process — December 4
Backgrounder: overview of investigation — December 4
Backgrounder: key findings and icbc’s actions — December 4
Abbotsford man confesses to ICBC fraud, then tries to steal interview tape — December 1

Provincial Government News

Top ten excuses for drinking & driving - Dec 29

Oh dear! No deer... — December 23

A Bella Coola woman found out the hard way that the imprint a signpost leaves on a car's front end is vastly different from that left by an animal.

In September 2007, Lorna Vogelaar told ICBC that she was driving along a remote stretch of Highway 20 outside Hagensborg, in the area of Tippy's Corner, when a deer loomed ahead. Unable to avoid it, she says she struck the animal, resulting in substantial damage to her 2003 Kia.

But the ICBC estimator who examined the vehicle ruled there was no way a deer could inflict such damage, finding it much more likely that Vogelaar hit a signpost instead.

Vogelaar's story started to unravel when she was questioned by Bella Coola RCMP, who had received information on the case, and she eventually confessed to having hit the signpost. Vogelaar recently pleaded guilty to one count of reporting a false claim, an offence under Section 42.1 of under the Insurance (Motor Vehicle) Act, and was fined $1000. She will also have to pay a $150 victim surcharge.

"Providing false information when making a claim is fraud," said Steve Tripp, ICBC manager for fraud prevention. He pointed out that in this case, the driver was trying to avoid filing a collision claim that could have impacted her insurance rate. Insurance premiums are not impacted when a driver files a comprehensive claim, such as a crash involving wildlife.

"We will not sit back and simply pass the cost of fraud on to our customers," Tripp added. "We encourage anyone with information about an exaggerated or fraudulent claim to call ICBC's fraud tips line at 604-661-6844 or 1-800-661-6844, toll free from anywhere in the province." Callers can remain anonymous.

ICBC invested approximately $8 million in fraud prevention in 2007, more than most property and casualty insurance companies in Canada. By combating fraud, ICBC hopes to deter others and to recover fraudulent payments, which help to keep rates low and stable.

Media contact:
Mark Jan Vrem:
604-982-2476

 

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Report a claim through the holidays and snow
— December 22

Despite the additional snow this weekend and the holidays fast approaching, ICBC wants to remind its customers that it is committed to providing a hassle-free claims experience right across the holiday season. Customers can file a claim 24 hours a day through ICBC's Dial-a-Claim centre.

"The severe winter road conditions have certainly increased the call volume for our claims centre, with an approximate 20 per cent increase in claims calls since last weekend," said Craig Horton, senior vice president of claims. "ICBC's award-winning Dial-a-Claim centre is still open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day to service our customers."

ICBC's Dial-a-Claim centre was named the 2008 Contact Centre of the Year by the BC Contact Centre Association. The centre handles approximately one million internal and external calls a year, many of them complex, with an overall customer satisfaction score of 98 per cent.

Customers in the Lower Mainland can reach Dial-a-Claim by calling 604-520-8222. Those who are elsewhere in BC can dial 1-800-910-4222, and those outside of BC can call 1-800-910-4222.

During this busy time, ICBC is asking customers to be patient as it processes a higher-than-normal amount of claims. To make the claims process run smoother, ICBC suggests having the following information ready:

For more information, please visit icbc.com and click on "Report a Claim."

Media contact:
Adam Grossman:
(604) 982-1332

 

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ICBC rental car contracts to save $5-million a year
— December 10

Cost savings will help to keep insurance rates low and stable

Car rental contracts have been signed with Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals to provide rental cars at reduced prices to ICBC customers across the province. Savings are estimated at $5.4 - $5.9 million annually, which will help keep insurance rates low and stable. Customers are also guaranteed to continue to receive a high level of service.

Customers will be referred to Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals when their ICBC insurance includes the use of a rental car. In return, Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals will provide discounted prices, timely service and must maintain strict standards for vehicle maintenance.

Customers can continue to select any rental car company they prefer. ICBC will reimburse customers at the price it has negotiated with Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals.

The contracts take effect on January 2, 2009. Over the next six months, Hertz Canada will set up additional offices, employing local staff, to service ICBC customers across the province. Ron Ridley Rentals is a small, BC-based business, and will provide rental cars to customers in Williams Lake. Throughout implementation, customers in communities without Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals locations can go to other rental car companies and those companies can continue to bill ICBC directly.

Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals were selected through an open selection process.

Media contact:
Adam Grossman:
(604) 982-1332

 

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Backgrounder: rental cars for ICBC customers
— December 10

ICBC has established contracts with Hertz Canada to provide rental cars to ICBC customers across the province, and Ron Ridley Rentals to provide rental cars to ICBC customers in Williams Lake.

The contracts are effective January 2, 2009 to April 30, 2012 , with a possible two-year extension.

By establishing contracts, ICBC and its customers will save money and are guaranteed to continue to receive a high level of service. Savings are estimated at $5.4 - $5.9 million annually, which will help keep insurance rates low and stable.

New approach for handling rental cars

This new approach to how ICBC handles rental cars applies when customers have Loss of Use coverage - they have either purchased the coverage or are not at-fault for the claim.

These customers will be referred to Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals to rent a car, if their vehicle is not drivable or the body shop repairing their vehicle is unable to provide alternate transportation. Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals will bill ICBC directly.

Phased implementation

Implementation will be phased in over six months. ICBC will begin referring customers to Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals as locations are ready and training is completed.

Hertz Canada currently has 20 locations and plans to continue opening offices through BC, employing local staff, to service ICBC customers across the province. Ron Ridley Rentals is a small, BC-based business, and will provide rental cars to customers in Williams Lake.

Throughout implementation, customers in communities without Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals locations can go to other rental car companies and those companies can continue to bill ICBC directly.

Customer choice

Once fully implemented, customers can continue to select any rental car company they prefer. If they choose a rental car company other than Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals , ICBC will reimburse the customer up to the price it has negotiated with these two suppliers.

Benefits for customers

Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals have committed to providing customers with timely service. This includes contacting customers within one hour of receiving the request for a rental vehicle, offering free pick-up and drop-off, and toll-free roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Both companies must also maintain strict standards for vehicle maintenance – mechanical and cleanliness.

Hertz Canada will also provide unlimited kilometers on rental cars , guaranteed hours of service for all of its locations, after-hour key drop-off boxes for car returns and their prices are valid for ICBC car rentals across Canada and the US.

Cost savings

The contracts take into account the large volume of rental cars routinely required by ICBC customers, provide the benefit of discounted prices and guarantee customers will continue to receive the current high level of service.

Savings are estimated at $5.4 - $5.9 million annually, which will help keep insurance rates low and stable.

Open selection process

In January 2008, ICBC began looking for alternative ways to provide customers with rental cars by posting a Request for Information (RFI) on the BC bid website. A follow-up Request for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ) was posted on the BC bid website in March 2008.

The procurement process was open and transparent. It encouraged competitive bidding and was open to suppliers of all sizes, competencies and locations. It was consistent with requirements of the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) between BC and Alberta.

When the contracts expire, ICBC will again conduct an open selection process.

Courtesy cars from repair shops

ICBC’s new approach to handling rental cars for customers does not affect courtesy cars provided to customers by repair shops.

ICBC-accredited c.a.r. shop VALET facilities will continue to provide customers with alternative transportation, while their vehicle is being repaired.

 

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Frequently asked questions on rental vehicles
— December 10

  1. Why is ICBC changing the way it handles rental cars for customers?

    ICBC is one of the largest single users of rental cars in BC, yet on occasion pays more than retail prices. This is not fair to customers.

    By establishing contracts with two rental car companies, ICBC and its customers will save money and are guaranteed to continue receiving a high level of service. Savings are estimated at approximately $5.4 - $5.9 million annually. We owe it to our customers to act on these savings in order to help keep rates low and stable.

  2. Besides the cost savings for ICBC, what are some of the benefits of this new approach?

    Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals have committed to providing customers with rental cars within one hour of receiving the request, offering free customer pick-up and drop-off, as well as toll-free roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

    Both companies must also maintain strict standards for vehicle maintenance – mechanical and cleanliness.

    Hertz Canada will also provide unlimited kilometers on rental cars , guaranteed hours of service for all of its locations, after-hour key drop-off boxes for car returns and their prices are valid for ICBC car rentals across Canada and the US.

  3. When do I have to start using Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals ?

    Implementation will be phased in over six months. ICBC will begin referring customers to Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals as locations are ready and training is completed.

    Hertz Canada currently has 20 locations and plans to continue opening locations throughout BC, employing local staff, to service ICBC customers across the province.

    Ron Ridley Rentals is a small, BC-based business, and will provide rental cars to customers in Williams Lake.

    Throughout implementation, customers in communities without Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals locations can go to other rental car companies and those companies can continue to bill ICBC directly.

  4. Can I still choose which rental car company I want to use for an ICBC claim?

    Customers can continue to choose their own rental car company.

    Once ICBC’s new approach to handling rental vehicles is implemented in a community, if a customer with Loss of Use coverage chooses a car rental company other than Hertz Canada or Ron Ridley Rentals , ICBC will reimburse the customers up to the amount it has negotiated with those two companies.

  5. What will happen if Hertz Canada or Ron Ridley Rentals doesn’t have an office in my community?

    Implementation will be phased in over six months. ICBC will begin referring customers to Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals as locations are ready and training is completed.

    Hertz Canada currently has 20 locations and plans to continue opening locations throughout BC, employing local staff, to service ICBC customers across the province. Ron Ridley is a small, BC-based business, and will provide rental cars to customers in Williams Lake.

    Throughout implementation, customers in communities without Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals locations can go to other rental car companies and those companies can continue to bill ICBC directly according to the posted 2008 daily rental rates.

    Once fully implemented, customers can continue to choose which rental car company they want to use. If a customer with Loss of Use coverage chooses a car rental company other than Hertz Canada or Ron Ridley Rentals , ICBC will reimburse the customer up to the amount it has negotiated with those two companies. If there are additional costs, the customer will be responsible to cover them.

  6. How will I find out about Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals and know where to go?

    Over the coming months, we will be working with our call centre and claims centre staff to ensure we provide customers with a hassle-free claims experience, including the seamless delivery of rental cars.

    We also plan to work with Autoplan brokers to make sure that customers are aware of our new approach to handling rental cars. Customers will be informed at the time they purchase their insurance coverage.

    And in the event of a crash, ICBC claims staff will work with customers to make sure their transportation needs are met while their car is being repaired.

  7. How were Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals selected?

    In January 2008, ICBC began looking for alternative ways to provide customers with rental cars by posting a Request for Information (RFI) on the BC bid website. A follow-up Request for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ) was posted on the BC bid website in March 2008.

    The procurement process was open and transparent. It encouraged competitive bidding and was open to suppliers of all sizes, competencies and locations. It was consistent with requirements of the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) between BC and Alberta.

    When the contracts expire, ICBC will again conduct an open selection process.

  8. How long will Hertz Canada and Ron Ridley Rentals be ICBC’s select suppliers for rental cars?

    ICBC developed this new approach for handling rental cars for customers as a long term solution to the higher prices currently being paid. The contracts are effective January 2, 2009 until April 30, 2012 , with the possibility of an additional two year extension.

    When the contracts expire, ICBC will again conduct an open selection process.

 

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Holiday CounterAttack roadchecks on now
— December 5

Tonight, Solicitor General John van Dongen, along with police and ICBC, kicked off the holiday season Drinking and Driving CounterAttack campaign through a province-wide roadcheck blitz from White Rock to Prince Rupert. Air1, B.C.’s traffic safety helicopter, also provided aerial support.

“Drinking and driving is a preventable behaviour that still accounts for more than 100 deaths on our road every year,” says Solicitor General John van Dongen. “That’s why we’re stepping up enforcement to get even more drinking drivers off the road.”

Prior to the launch of CounterAttack in 1977, B.C. had the highest number of alcohol-related collisions in the country. Drinking and driving caused more than 300 deaths on B.C. roads in 1976. While there has been significant improvement, drinking and driving remains a serious problem in B.C., with approximately 120 lives lost and almost 3,200 people injured in 5,100 alcohol-related collisions on average each year. A pproximately 26 per cent * of motor vehicle fatalities are related to drinking and driving every year. Annually, this costs ICBC and drivers more than $140 million in claims costs.

“Police hear all kinds of excuses like, ‘I can handle my liquor,’ ‘I’m okay to drive,’” says Superintendent Norm Gaumont, RCMP “E” division traffic services. “We’re warning drivers that such excuses are just that – excuses. They aren’t accurate and won’t be tolerated. If you drink and drive, if you’re impaired by drugs, you endanger yourself and others, and you’ll face hefty fines and penalties when you’re caught.”

Throughout December, police across the province will be out in full force at roadchecks. Impaired drivers can face a range of penalties, including immediate 24-hour roadside suspensions and vehicle impoundment, 90-day driving prohibitions, fines, mandatory rehabilitation, ignition interlock, criminal charges, and jail time. With the introduction of the Driver Risk Premium, drivers who have one or more impaired driving convictions and/or two or more roadside suspensions as of January 2008 will pay more starting in January 2009.

“Impairment starts with the first drink – not after you’ve had a few,” adds Nicolas Jimenez, ICBC’s Road Safety director. “We’re reminding drivers to separate drinking from driving. Before heading out for the evening, plan ahead for a safe ride home by calling Operation Red Nose or a cab, taking transit or using a designated driver.”

* Annual averages from 2003-2007 police data.

Media contacts:

 

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Information on Employee Reprimands from Research and Training Facility Investigation
— December 4

ICBC releases more information on actions taken with employees related to the investigation into the sale of vehicles repaired at its research and training facility.

From the outset, ICBC has recognized the public interest in this matter and has consistently released as much information on the investigation as possible.  I CBC has complied with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act with respect to release of employees’ personal information.

Over the past months, ICBC received a number of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests concerning these actions.  The FOI process provides the employees an opportunity to make submissions on what they feel could be released and to request a review by the Information and Privacy Commissioner if they disagree with ICBC. Two (2) employees have requested that review.

Six (6) employees did not request the review and ICBC is now in a position to release the following. 

Of the six:

Like any other organization, ICBC is required to provide pay in lieu of notice when an employee is dismissed without cause.   The total cost of severance packages for all employees dismissed without cause will be up to $825-thousand.  It should be noted that this amount will be distributed among more than just one employee. This amount would be reduced if they find new employment during the 18-month notice period.

As noted above two employees, who are no longer with the company, have exercised their right to ask the Information and Privacy Commissioner to decide on what information will be released.  When that process is completed ICBC will report all the permissible details.

More background information is available.

Media contact:
Mark Jan Vrem:
(604) 982-2476

 

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Freedom of Information Request Process— December 4

FOI requests received by ICBC

ICBC has 30 business days to respond to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. This time limit is extended when more time is needed to consult with any relevant third parties (individuals involved).

When deciding what information can be released, ICBC is obligated under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the Act) to consider the privacy of individuals as well as whether the disclosure would be desirable for public scrutiny.

Third party notice to individuals involved

If any of the information ICBC is intending to release could be an unreasonable invasion of privacy, it is obligated by the Act to give those individuals involved notice and the ability to respond.

Third party response

Third parties have 20 business days to either consent to the release of information or provide reasons why the information should not be released. The third party notification process gives the individuals involved an opportunity to provide their input on what information will be disclosed.

ICBC is required to consider their views before making a final decision.

ICBC’s decision on release provided to third parties

ICBC is required to consider the views of the third parties before making its final decision.

Within 30 business days of giving its original notice, ICBC must decide what it is intending to release and give notice of this decision to both the third parties and the applicant.

The third party then has 20 business days to request a review by the Information and Privacy Commissioner.

If a review is not requested then the records will be released to the applicant after the 20 day period has passed. If a review is requested, then no records can be released until the Commissioner decides the matter, which could take several months.

Some individuals have accepted the release of their information and this is the information that we are providing today.

Others have asked the Information and Privacy Commissioner to review the information that we intend to release.

This is where we are today.

The Commissioner’s process

On receiving a request for review, a portfolio officer is assigned who may attempt to mediate an agreement on what can be released. If that is not possible, a formal enquiry must be held within 90 business days.

ICBC, third parties and the applicants make submissions to the Commissioner

The enquiry is a quasi-judicial process where each of the third parties, the applicants and ICBC will make formal submissions to the Commissioner. The submissions are exchanged except for information received ‘in-camera’ and each party can make a reply submission.

Commissioner issues a ruling

The Commissioner then considers the submissions and will issue an order. It can be a number of months before an order is issued.

ICBC releases all information it’s able to based on commissioner’s direction

 

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Overview of Investigation — December 4

In January 2008, ICBC’s Senior Executive became aware of issues with respect to designation and sales of vehicles at its Burnaby based research and training facility. An internal investigation was launched.

ICBC’s Actions To Date

ICBC publicly announced the investigation in February and temporarily closed the facility. The results of ICBC’s internal investigation were made public in March.

PricewaterhouseCoopers was retained to assist with the investigation and was subsequently engaged to conduct an independent, external investigation – including a forensic audit of employee conduct and involvement. Their full report was made public in July.

The RCMP were also contacted and asked for an assessment that resulted in an investigation. Their investigation is ongoing.

ICBC’s first priority was to make things right with owners of improperly designated vehicles. This included buying back these vehicles or having them inspected, redesignated, and compensating owners for the reduced value of their vehicles. For more information, please refer to the March 19, 2008 news release.

ICBC also made other immediate decisions, including no longer allowing repairs to vehicles for sale at the research and training facility. Employees and members of their immediate family are no longer permitted to purchase any ICBC salvage and the repair of personal vehicles at the facility is not permitted. Policies and procedures were also reviewed to ensure that all vehicles are designated properly. There were also decisions made regarding personnel and those responsible are no longer with the company.

For more information, please refer to the backgrounder: key findings and ICBC’s actions.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Recommendations

ICBC has substantially completed all of the actions committed to during the investigation, including those identified in the PricewaterhouseCoopers report. These include:

Commitment to Provide More Information

Following the release of the PricewaterhouseCoopers report, ICBC received Freedom of Information requests from several individuals regarding employee involvement. While there are legal limits with regards to the information that ICBC can release about individual employees involved in the research and training investigation, ICBC is working through the process as defined by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the Act).

ICBC has released as much information as is permissible under the Act, and in recognition of the public’s interest in this matter will continue to do so.

For more information, please refer to the backgrounder regarding the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act process.

 

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Key findings and ICBC actions — December 4

Updated December 2008

Key findings from PricewaterhouseCoopers investigation ICBC actions
Total of 55 vehicles repaired at the research and training facility were purchased by ICBC employees and connected parties. ICBC employees and members of their immediate family are not permitted to purchase any ICBC salvage, either directly or indirectly.

The research and training facility no longer repairs vehicles for sale. Use of the facility is now limited to training, and to vehicle repair research for training and education purposes.
Lack of controls and documentation regarding the employee purchase of vehicles.

Internal policies on purchasing salvage were contradictory. 		Updated Code of Ethics to clarify employees and members of their immediate family are not permitted to purchase any ICBC salvage, either directly or indirectly.

Additional Code of Ethics training completed.

Annual review of the Code of Ethics by all ICBC employees, commenced Fall 2008.

All new employees will continue to receive an introduction to ICBC’s Code of Ethics.
Several contradictory or unclear policies, such as the principles relating to conflicts of interest and the purchasing of salvage vehicles or corporate property by ICBC employees and/or connected parties. ICBC employees and members of their immediate family are not permitted to purchase any ICBC salvage, either directly or indirectly.

Completed comprehensive review of relevant policies and procedures with appropriate updates and communication.
Inaccurate accounting for vehicle acquisition, repair and sale costs.

If costs were accurately calculated, unlikely ICBC would have recovered its costs. 		The research and training facility no longer repairs vehicles for sale.
Employee use of the research and training facility to repair or service vehicles was limited.

No policies that dealt directly with repair of personal vehicles. 		Personal use of the research and training facility by employees not permitted under any circumstances.

The research and training facility is now used strictly for business purposes - to conduct research and training.

Relevant policies and procedures were updated and communicated.

 

Key findings from PricewaterhouseCoopers investigation ICBC actions
Changes to vehicle designations and claims payment codes at research and training facility meant vehicle purchasers were not fully aware of the extent of damage to the vehicle.

Policies relating to determining vehicle designations and claims payment codes were unclear. 		Completed comprehensive review of relevant policies and procedures with appropriate updates and communication. The new policy and procedures reflect the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators’ guidelines for flood damaged vehicles.

Completed detailed review of other areas in the company where vehicles were being sold and updated policies and procedures as appropriate.

Identified vehicles sold from ICBC’s regular salvage operations with incorrect vehicle registration status and contacted all affected customers. Policies and procedures have been revised accordingly.

Updated procedures to restrict the number of staff with the authority to change a salvage designation (which impacts the vehicle registration designation).

The research and training facility no longer designates vehicle status and no longer sells vehicles.

Vehicle Identification Number look up available on icbc.com.
Concerns about practices at the research and training facility were reported on three previous occasions, but were not appropriately investigated and not escalated to CEO. Those in line of authority who allowed the system of vehicle purchases to develop and continue are no longer with the company.

Reporting for internal investigations section of ICBC’s Special Investigations Unit moved to Employee Relations.

Expansion of risk management program, including quarterly reporting and monitoring process, under way.

Employees reminded to refer any allegations of improper employee behaviour to Human Resources or to use the existing anonymous third-party “whistleblower” tool.

Updated procedures for investigating allegations of wrongdoing. Updated reporting process to Audit Committee of the Board to also include employee conduct issues (concerns raised via the anonymous “whistleblower” tool already escalated).

 

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Abbotsford man confesses to ICBC fraud, then tries to steal interview tape
— December 1

An Abbotsford man apparently had second thoughts about his admission to an ICBC investigator that he had lied about an insurance claim – so he grabbed the recording device that had been used by the investigator to record the confession and ran off with it.

ICBC Special Investigation Unit officers gave chase and caught up to the man a few blocks from the ICBC Claims Centre, where he was seen smashing the digital recorder into the pavement in an attempt to destroy the evidence.

While he did manage to break the machine to bits, the part that housed the actual recording itself remained intact. This and other evidence was presented to Crown Counsel, and he was subsequently charged with providing a wilfully false statement to ICBC, an offence under Section 42.1 of the Insurance Vehicle Act, Fraud under the Criminal Code, as well as a mischief charge filed by the Abbotsford Police Department.

“ICBC takes all allegations of fraud very seriously and responds accordingly by working with the appropriate agencies,” said Steve Tripp, the manager of ICBC’s Special Investigation Unit. “In this case, we’re particularly proud of our officers for their extraordinary efforts in apprehending the suspect and preserving the evidence that he tried to destroy.”

The accused, 20-year-old Ravinder Sran of Abbotsford, plead guilty to the Sec. 42.1 Offence and Mischief charge. Sran was fined $2,000 and ordered to pay $3,069 in restitution on the ICBC charge. He was also sentenced to six months probation plus 15 hours of community service for the mischief charge.

The charges originated with Sran’s decision to loan his motorcycle to a friend, who lost control of the bike and crashed it near Hicks Lake in Harrison Hot Springs on July 2, 2007. Given the extensive damage to the bike, Sran decided to abandon it and report it stolen to Police and ICBC.

The motorcycle was discovered two months later – at which time ICBC investigators confronted Sran about the bike and Sran subsequently admitted he had falsified the theft claim.

ICBC estimates that fraud costs each of ICBC’s 3.1 million policyholders in the range of $100 to $150 per year. 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.

Media contact:
Adam Grossman:
(604) 982-1332

 

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Provincial Government News

Top ten excuses for drinking & driving - Dec 29

 

BC Government logo

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Dec. 29, 2008		  
Top ten excuses for drinking & driving

VANCOUVER - The 2008 CounterAttack Drinking and Driving Campaign - a partnership between the provincial government, police and ICBC - has been out in full force this December with hundreds of roadchecks throughout British Columbia. However, it is important that drivers remember that even though many of the holiday festivities may be behind us, the New Year's Eve celebrations are still to come.

The police officers responsible for CounterAttack's roadchecks hear all kinds of excuses each year about why people think it's safe for them to drink and drive. Here are the top ten:

1. "I can handle my liquor" - According to police, this one typically applies to the "macho" variety of men who feel their exaggerated sense of manliness enables them to overcome the effects of alcohol. Trouble is, there's no physiological evidence to support that claim - alcohol is a drug, and if you drink it, your mind and body will immediately feel the effects. Drink too much, and you will be impaired - no matter how big, tough or macho you think you are.

2. "I don't want to pay for a taxi" - Depending on the distance travelled, you could indeed face a significant cost to get home in a taxi. But compared to the cost of losing your licence, injuring or killing someone, it's a small amount to pay for a safe ride home. Other options if your celebrations involve alcohol: share a cab, take transit, walk or assign a designated driver. Whatever the option you take, you need to plan ahead. Ask a friend, co-worker or your partner to stay sober, or make arrangements beforehand to have someone come get you after the party ends. Alternatively, stay at a hotel or friend's house where the celebration is taking place.

3. "Leaving my car overnight is a hassle" - Going back to the bar or party location the next day to retrieve your vehicle can indeed be a burden but having your car impounded at a police roadcheck is an even bigger hassle. If you're concerned about leaving your vehicle behind, call Operation Red Nose - a volunteer-driven service to get you and your car home safely. Visit www.rednose.bc.ca external link for more information.

4. "I always make it home after a few" - Each year in British Columbia, approximately 120 people don't make it home due to alcohol-related collisions. The drivers who survive those collisions often tell police afterwards that they had very little to drink and really didn't think they were impaired, despite the fact their blood-alcohol levels were well over the legal limit. Impairment begins with the first drink. And the risk of crashing and killing yourself and others increases with each alcoholic drink consumed.

5. "It's only a short drive home" - If that's the case, your taxi fare will be minimal. Remember: CounterAttack roadchecks are often set-up outside drinking establishments - so no matter how close to home you may be, you might still encounter a friendly, neighbourhood roadcheck.

6. "I'm OK to drive" - Are you really? Alcohol affects your judgment. How many people over the course of human history have learned that the hard way? And how many lives have been lost or permanently damaged through the bad judgment of drunk drivers? It's simple - if you drink, don't drive.

7. "One more drink won't hurt" - Wrong. Every drink you consume adds to your level of impairment. The "just one more" mentality can often lead to many more, as people get caught up in the spirit of celebration.

8. "They only take your licence if you're drunk" - Imagine for a moment that every person at a sold-out Canucks game has their licence suspended and their car impounded. Then imagine that same arena filled to capacity for another game - and once again, every person in the building has their licence suspended and their car impounded. That's the approximate number (more than 38,000) of drivers each year in British Columbia who are caught by police when their ability to drive is affected by alcohol or drugs. Like the sign says at GM Place: "If you drink, don't drive."

9. "I'm more careful after a couple" - That's like saying you're more intelligent after sniffing glue. It makes no sense. Alcohol affects your reaction time, decision-making, coordination and visual functions; your ability to steer, track moving objects and brake appropriately; and your ability to control your speed and lane position. The more you drink, the worse you drive.

10. "I wasn't drinking/only smoked a joint" - Another urban myth that has no bearing in reality. Numerous studies have shown that "stoned" drivers who have taken drugs other than alcohol including cannabis, cocaine and even prescription drugs can be every bit as dangerous as drunk drivers. And new legislation now allows police to test drivers they suspect may be drug-impaired; if convicted, they face the same penalties as alcohol-impaired drivers.

Impaired drivers can face a range of penalties, including immediate 24-hour roadside suspensions and vehicle impoundment, 90-day driving prohibitions, fines, mandatory rehabilitation, ignition interlock, criminal charges and jail time. With the introduction of ICBC's Driver Risk Premium, drivers who have one or more impaired driving convictions and/or two or more roadside suspensions will pay more.

So don't make any excuses this New Year's Eve. Remember that impairment starts with the first drink, so plan ahead for a safe ride home.

Media Contacts:
Kathy Taylor
ICBC Corporate Communications
Tel: 604-982-2480