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November 2009 news releases

ICBC news releases

ICBC and police remind drivers to prepare for winter conditions along Sea to Sky highway — November 20
Identity fraud nets B.C. man six months in jail — November 19
ICBC reminds drivers and pedestrians to use extra caution in dark, wet conditions — November 16
ICBC reports third quarter results — November 12
ICBC and police remind drivers not to rush through intersections — November 6
ICBC c.a.r. shop VALET-accredited collision repair shops honoured with 2009 AutocheX Premier Achiever customer service awards — November 5
ICBC and local police help Surrey and White Rock residents protect their older model vehicles from auto crime — November 3

Provincial Government news releases

Road crash victims remembered — November 18

ICBC and police remind drivers to prepare for winter conditions along Sea to Sky highway

With sections of the Sea to Sky highway now seeing snowfall, ICBC and police are reminding drivers to prep their vehicles and use caution in winter driving conditions. To ensure everyone’s safety, the West Vancouver Police and Sea to Sky Traffic Services are working together to patrol the highway and administer tire checks.

For the last four years, during the months of November to February, police attended an average of 50 crashes along the Sea to Sky highway where ice, snow, slush or water was a contributing factor.

“The Sea to Sky highway can be treacherous in winter,” said Cpl. Scott Bowden, RCMP Sea to Sky Traffic Services. “We’re reminding drivers that potential crashes can be prevented by driving safely and equipping your cars with proper winter tires that are designed to provide better traction in snow and greater stability and control on slushy roads. Another option is to carry chains, but be sure you know how to put them on before you actually need them. ”

If stopped at a check, drivers who haven’t installed winter tires or chains could be asked to turn back and may also face a fine. Police will also be giving away ICBC windshield ice scrapers imprinted with educational tips. “We’ll be doing tire checks periodically from now until the snow stops to make the highway safer for everyone,” adds Sgt. Tim Kravjanski of the West Vancouver Police Department. “All seasons tires don’t cut it. It’s best to invest in winter tires that display the mountain and snowflake logo.”

“In addition to installing proper winter tires, drivers should also slow down,” said Nicolas Jimenez, ICBC’s road safety director. “When you slow down you see more of the road, giving you extra time to prepare for any unpredictable conditions winter throws your way.”

Police also remind drivers to adjust their speed in poorer driving conditions, otherwise they could face fines.

ICBC reminds everyone to make smart driving decisions and offers these tips:

For more information and tips, visit icbc.com/drivesmart.

Media Contact:
Tom Webster
604-230-1964

Kim Thé
604-842-5023

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Identity fraud nets B.C. man six months in jail

Fraudster used forged Alberta licence to get one in B.C.

A six-month jail sentence has been handed down to a man who managed to secure two drivers licences under different aliases.

Christopher Richard Alblas presented an Alberta driver's licence when applying for a licence to drive in British Columbia, in September 2004. After a series of checks and reviews aimed at protecting the security of B.C.'s Driver Licensing system, the Customer Service representative contacted her Alberta Counterpart and determined the licence provided by Alblas was a fake. ICBC's Special Investigations Unit took over and tracked Alblas through several aliases to learn his real identity.

Alblas was charged in 2006 with two counts of impersonation, one count of fraud and one of uttering a forged document for using a fake identity to file a claim with ICBC. At trial he pleaded guilty to fraud and uttering a forged document, and was sentenced in September of this year to six months in jail. Alblas was also ordered to repay ICBC $5,091 for the claim paid out.

Fred Hess, ICBC's Vice President of Driver Licensing, notes the fraud perpetrated in the above case is now much harder, thanks to the use of facial recognition technology for B.C. driver's licences and identification cards.

"Facial recognition technology allows ICBC to compare the driver's image with the entire driver image database, thereby reducing fraud and identity theft by ensuring cards are not issued to multiple identities," said Hess.

ICBC provides driver licensing services to all British Columbians, with 121 points of service to assist customers across the province. In February 2009, new driver's licences and identification cards were introduced in B.C. with an eye to combating fraud.

"The new cards are harder to alter, forge or obtain under different identities, which will help to prevent identity theft and other criminal activity against the overwhelming majority of our honest customers," Hess added. "In this particular case, we were able to protect our customers from paying out on a fraudulent claim and from a threat to their identity being stolen."

ICBC settled more than 670,000 claims last year. Only a handful were fraudulent, but those frauds cost each of our 3.1 million customers in the range of $100 to $150 per year. Anyone with information regarding a suspicious claim or fraudulent act is encouraged 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. 

Media Contact:
Adam Grossman
604-982-1332

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ICBC reminds drivers and pedestrians to use extra caution in dark, wet conditions

With extreme rainfall hitting much of B.C. this week and Environment Canada warning we could get anywhere between 80 to 200 milimetres by the end of today, ICBC is reminding drivers to slow down, keep their distance and use extra caution on the roads.

In 2008, during the month of November, police reported approximately 340 crashes on B.C.’s roads, in which bad weather (rain, snow, sleet or fog) was a contributing factor. All drivers should be planning ahead and giving themselves ex tra time for possible delays that may occur, due to inclement weather. Check drivebc.ca external link for road and weather conditions.

With heavy rainfall and darker driving conditions, here are ICBC’s top five tips for motorists:

If you’re involved in a crash, ICBC is dedicated to providing a hassle-free claims experience. Claims can be reported to ICBC’s Dial-A-Claim centre 24 hours a day, 365 days per year:

With 2,700 pedestrians injured and 71 fatalities every year in B.C. as a result of a crash, ICBC is also reminding pedestrians to remember some key road safety tips:

For more information and tips, visit icbc.com/drivesmart.

Media Contact:
Adam Grossman
604-982-1332

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ICBC reports third quarter results

Focus remains on road safety and rate stability

ICBC’s third quarter financial results for 2009 build on a strong first six months and will allow the corporation to continue to invest in road safety initiatives, keep rates low and stable, and begin to plan long-term customer service systems upgrades.

ICBC continues to invest approximately $50 million every year in road safety initiatives and auto crime prevention. This commitment to saving lives and reducing crashes also protects the affordability of insurance in BC – fewer crashes mean lower claims costs, and those savings help keep rates low and stable.

“We thank our customers for driving safely, which continues to contribute to the positive trends we are seeing in the number and total cost of injury claims,” said Jon Schubert, ICBC’s President and CEO. “We are managing our business and investment portfolio well during these tough times which has put us in a healthy financial position to keep overall basic rates unchanged and reduce our optional rates for 2009 by an average of three percent.”

ICBC’s net income for the first nine months of 2009 was $422 million, down $15 million from the same period last year. A continued focus on controlling costs and a rebounding investment portfolio contributed to the financial performance.

ICBC’s investment income for the first nine months of 2009 was $431 million, compared to $360 million for the same period last year, and is reflective of a well-managed and diversified portfolio.

Operating costs remain low and consistent with previous years. Only four cents of every premium dollar is used for administrative costs to operate the insurance business.

ICBC is also planning to invest in much-needed customer service systems upgrades. This investment will focus on further improving the customer’s experience and upgrading ICBC’s technology systems to increase efficiency.

Nov 2009 - Statement of Operations

Media Contact:
Adam Grossman
604-982-1332

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ICBC and police remind drivers not to rush through intersections

More than 250 crashes happen at intersections every day

ICBC and police kicked off a month-long campaign to raise awareness about intersection safety by staging a mock crash at the intersection of Beatty and Robson in Vancouver this morning.

Speakers addressed the seriousness of intersection safety and the psychology of drivers at intersections.

From 2004 to 2008 more than one million drivers were involved in intersection crashes. On average, that’s more than 250 crashes at intersections every day.

“In most cases, car crashes are preventable,” said Nicolas Jimenez, ICBC Road Safety director. “We have the choice to change our common and risky behaviours, like running lights or tailgating. That’s why we’re asking people to slow down, focus on driving and use caution on the road.”

Police throughout the province will be targeting dangerous driving behaviours near intersections throughout November. “More than 40 per cent of all police-attended crashes in B.C. occur at intersections and, sadly, we’re there to see the devastating impacts of those crashes on people’s lives,” said RCMP Traffic Operations Officer I.E. Ted Emanuels. “We’re stepping up enforcement so what we’ve seen doesn’t happen to you.”

With winter approaching, days are getting shorter and summer’s weather is a distant memory. Drivers need to focus on their driving even more to keep themselves, other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists safe.

“We want British Columbians to make smart choices and always use caution when approaching intersections—make that the common behaviour we see on our roads. Set an example – smart driving decisions can have a significant influence on others,” said ICBC Consulting Psychologist John Vavrik.

This campaign runs through the month of November. Along with the enhanced enforcement it also includes radio, television, bus back and elevator wrap advertising to help get the message out to drivers. For more information, visit icbc.com/drivesmart.

Here are some tips we can all follow to make intersections safer:

Media Contact:
Paul Goodman
604-341-1674

Cindy Kralj
604-315-1430

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ICBC c.a.r. shop VALET-accredited collision repair shops honoured with 2009 AutocheX Premier Achiever customer service awards

Today, a total of 21 ICBC c.a.r. shop VALET-accredited collision repair shops across British Columbia will be recognized for their excellent customer service with a 2009 AutocheX Premier Achiever Award.

To be eligible for an AutocheX Premier Achiever Award, a c.a.r. shop VALET facility must track customer satisfaction results on a monthly basis to monitor and improve performance. Key factors include tracking the shop’s ability to keep the customer informed, providing on-time deliveries and quality repairs, and the customer’s willingness to recommend the shop to friends and family.

“ICBC is committed to providing our customers with a hassle-free claims experience, and we can only do this if our c.a.r. shop VALET partners provide excellent customer service from start to finish,” said Craig Horton, ICBC’s senior vice-president of Claims. “Each of these 21 shops are consistently providing our mutual customers with outstanding service while their vehicles are being repaired.”

The ICBC c.a.r. shop VALET-accredited collision repair shops that have won a 2009 AutocheX Premier Achiever Award are:

For the past five years, ICBC has partnered with AutocheX to independently and objectively measure customer satisfaction levels with the 426 shops in our c.a.r. shop VALET program. ICBC surveys approximately 70,000 c.a.r. shop VALET customers annually to measure customer feedback.

All c.a.r. shop VALET facilities are accredited by ICBC to provide safe, quality repairs that are guaranteed for as long as the customer owns the vehicle. They will also help to arrange alternative transportation for customers, at no extra costs, while their vehicle is being repaired.

To find an ICBC approved c.a.r. shop VALET facility in your community, go to icbc.com, click on the ‘Claims’ tab, and then on ‘Find an auto body shop’ in the left-hand toolbar. The direct link is:

Media Contact:
Michelle Hargrave
250-979-4642

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ICBC and local police help Surrey and White Rock residents protect their older model vehicles from auto crime

ICBC, the Surrey RCMP, City of Surrey, Surrey Crime Prevention Society and White Rock RCMP have launched a new initiative dubbed ‘Operation Lock Up’ in response to a recent spike in thefts of pre-2001 model Honda, Acura and Toyota vehicles in these regions.

Most older vehicles aren’t equipped with anti-theft devices, making them prime bait for thieves. The focus of this initiative is to distribute steering wheel locks, while supplies last, to local residents who own these pre-2001 model vehicles, or any pre-2001 model vehicles on ICBC’s list of ‘top stolen vehicles’. Simply visit your local Surrey RCMP District Office, White Rock RCMP Detachment or Surrey Crime Prevention Society's Community Volunteer Offices at Guildford or Central City Mall.

“We’ve made great strides in reducing auto theft in B.C. over the years, and to continue that downward trend we need to examine strategies and try initiatives when we see a spike in auto theft,” said Dennis St. Aubin, ICBC’s auto crime manager. “This initiative is aimed to help our customers protect their vehicles. The average cost of a stolen vehicle is approximately $4,200*, so reducing thefts and claims costs also helps us keep our rates low and stable.”

Here are our ICBC’s top five tips for protecting your vehicle from theft or vandalism:

No.1 – Get immobilized. Immobilizers are the best way to prevent your vehicle from being stolen. Electronic immobilizers require a special key or small electronic device to start a vehicle’s engine. When someone tries to start your vehicle without this, the immobilizer shuts off one or more parts of the engine’s electrical system, such as the starter, ignition and/or fuel system. This makes your vehicle virtually impossible to steal.

No. 2 – Keep it under lock. Steering wheel locks are another good option to protect your vehicle. They provide a stronger visual deterrent for auto thieves than an immobilizer. Just the sight of an anti-theft device inside a car will put off many thieves.

No. 3 – It’s not always your vehicle thieves want. By parking in a safe and secure place, you will make it that bit harder for anyone to steal your vehicle.

Key places to avoid are parking behind fences or hedges, which give thieves cover from being seen. At home, consider having a motion-activated light in your driveway or, if you have an automatic gate to underground parking, wait for the gate to close behind you. When out with your vehicle, park in well-lit areas near pedestrian traffic.

Parkades can be a big problem area for auto thefts. Avoid parking in parkade areas with poor visibility where thieves will feel safe when breaking into your vehicle. When parking downtown, choose a parkade where you must pay on the way out. Car thieves don’t mind stealing your car, but they won’t pay for your parking and generally avoid these parking lots.

No. 4 – Think location, location, location. It’s important that you also do what you can to avoid being a victim of the other big auto crime threat – vehicle break-ins.

When thinking about what items to remove from your vehicle, start with the obvious – take your keys with you (and close your windows and lock your doors, even if you are only going to be away for just a few moments).

While it’s important to remove any valuables from your car, you should go a step further and remove everything from your vehicle – even bags with nothing valuable in them. Thieves will break your window, costing you your deductible, just to find out if you have anything of value to steal.

No. 5 – Thieves really like your vehicle. There are certain vehicles that auto thieves just know how to steal. If you own an older vehicle, it’s at a higher risk of being stolen or broken into.

Older vehicles often don’t have an effective anti-theft device and are easy to steal. That’s why the average age of a stolen vehicle in B.C. is about 11 years old. If you own one of the vehicles identified by ICBC as the most stolen in B.C., then you need to follow all of these security tips and more.

2008 Top Stolen Vehicles in the Lower Mainland

1 HONDA CIVIC
2 CHRYSLER(DODGE/PLYMOUTH) CARAVAN/VOYAGER
3 HONDA ACCORD
4 FORD F-SERIES
5 JEEP CHEROKEE
6 NISSAN PATHFINDER
7 ACURA INTEGRA
8 CHRYSLER(DODGE/PLYMOUTH) NEON
9 TOYOTA CAMRY
10 DODGE DAKOTA

Visit icbc.com/road-safety/prevent-autocrime for more tips and information.

*Average cost, including deductible, of stolen vehicle incidents reported to ICBC (2004-2008)

Media Contacts:
Kim Thé
604-842-5023

Jacki Tokaryk
604-828-4362

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Provincial Government News

BC Government logo

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

November 18, 2009

ROAD CRASH VICTIMS REMEMBERED

VICTORIA – B.C. is moving ahead with an aggressive road safety campaign to prevent the crashes that kill an average of 424 British Columbians each year, Solicitor General Kash Heed said today as B.C. marked its second National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims.

"The cost of road crashes to individuals and families is immeasurable, with hundreds dead every year and another 4,000 seriously injured," said Heed. "We owe it to the memory of those who have lost their lives to be smarter about driving by wearing seatbelts, staying sober, and simply paying more attention to the road."

The Province has been working to reduce the number of road accidents through a number of key programs, most recently through changes to the Motor Vehicle Act to deal with distracted driving. The changes, which will come into force Friday, Jan. 1 2010, mean only hands-free cell phones and devices that require one touch to activate will be permitted. Drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program will face the further restriction of not being permitted to use hands-free cell phones. Fines of $167 will be levied for violations, beginning Monday, Feb. 1, 2010.

"Most crashes are preventable and we all play a role in making our roads safer," said Nicolas Jimenez, ICBC road safety director. "In honour of crash victims and their loved ones, we'd like to ask everyone to identify and commit to improving one of their own driving behaviours. Making smart driving decisions is something we can all do to help protect ourselves and our families."

Other provincial road safety initiatives in recent years include:

  • Bringing in stronger impaired driving legislation with enhanced enforcement, increased penalties and mandatory rehabilitation.
  • Expanding the Province's ignition interlock program.
  • Taking action on street racing, with provisions that mean vehicles used to street race can be impounded on the spot and the driver's licence suspended immediately. Drivers who speed or race can receive penalty points and fines of up to $2,000, and be charged under the Criminal Code.
  • Enhancing B.C.'s Graduated Licence Program to allow authorities to make new drivers who are suspended for any reason repeat their two-year novice period.
  • Bringing in civil forfeiture legislation that gives the Province the power to seize and sell the vehicles of high-risk drivers where someone is injured or killed, as well as vehicles of drivers whose risky behaviour is likely to cause serious injury or death.
  • Increasing the fine for not wearing a seatbelt from $138 to $167. B.C.'s Driver Improvement Program identifies high-risk drivers and intervenes to encourage them to change driving behaviour through early warning to prohibition from driving.
  • Enhancing infant restraint and booster seat requirements to better protect child passengers, as well as removing several driver exemptions related to these requirements.
  • Limiting the number of passengers allowed in a vehicle to the number of available seatbelts, and creating new offences for employers and owners of commercial vehicles who allow a vehicle to be operated with more passengers than its capacity or without seatbelts.

Nationally, nearly 3,000 people die each year on Canada's roads, with another 200,000 injured. The National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims was first marked by Canada in 2005 to honour these Canadians and to raise awareness about what people can do to increase safety behind the wheel. It occurs annually on the third Wednesday of November as part of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims, which is overseen by the World Health Organization as a significant health issue. Approximately 1.2 million people around the world are killed each year in road crashes.

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province's news feeds using RSS, visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca.

Media Contacts:
Media Relations
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
250-356-6961

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ICBC and police remind drivers not to rush through intersections back to top
ICBC c.a.r. shop VALET-accredited collision repair shops honoured with 2009 AutocheX Premier Achiever customer service awardshttp://www.icbc.com/claims/find_repairshop back to top