October 2009 news releases

ICBC news releases

ICBC urges drivers to plan ahead for Daylight Savings Time adjustment — October 28
ICBC CEO responds to Commissioner's audit — October 15
Driver fined $4,000 for lying about crash — October 6

ICBC urges drivers to plan ahead for Daylight Savings Time adjustment

As British Columbians set back their clocks this Saturday for Daylight Savings Time (DST), ICBC is reminding drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to take extra care next week due to the grogginess some people may experience.

The time change can have a significant effect on people's sleep patterns, resulting in a disruption to their circadian rhythms or 'biological clock.' When Daylight Savings ends, drivers have to adjust to a shorter day and commute in darker conditions. Combined with worsening weather and road conditions, it can be a dangerous combination. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians should remember to use caution and leave extra time to get to their destinations — particularly during the Monday commute.

Crash statistics illustrate a higher driving risk the first work day after Daylight Savings ends. According to the five year average (2004-2008), on the Monday following the fall time change there were 900 crash incidents, compared to 700 incidents the Monday before the time change.

According to the five-year average, the first Monday after the fall time change saw a 29 per cent increase in crash incidents, and 52 per cent increase in casualties, compared to the Monday before the time change (2004-2008). The average cost for crash incidents following the fall time change (2004-2008) was $6.5 million.

The following are ICBC's top five fall smart driving tips:

No. 1 — Be alert. Reduced light conditions can make it more difficult to see pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. Drivers, pedestrian and cyclists need to be especially vigilant.

No. 2 — Light the way. Use your headlights at all times to ensure you are visible to pedestrians and other vehicles. Make sure your headlights are clean (splattered mud can cloud them) and that all bulbs (both high and low beam) are working properly.

No. 3 — Get some rest. Try to get to bed earlier — and to help yourself to fall asleep faster, exercise during the day, have a hot bath or shower before going to bed and treat yourself to a book and a warm glass of milk.

No. 4 — Plan ahead. Plan to take more time driving to and from work next week. Try to get in the habit of listening to traffic updates or checking drivebc.ca before heading out.

No. 5 — Slow down and keep your distance. The roads will be busy, and excessive speed is the number one cause of crashes. Remember it takes longer to stop on wet roads or on roads covered with leaves or mud.

Media Contact:
Adam Grossman
604-982-1332

ICBC CEO responds to Commissioner's audit

Last May, an internal investigation found that on three occasions, driving and claims information of jurors was accessed, and in two of these cases, information was disclosed to outside defence counsel representing ICBC. As a result, we initiated discussions with the government requesting an independent audit.

The results of the audit by B.C.'s Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner were issued today and they note that three more instances of jury checking were uncovered by our internal investigation – which reviewed over 500 jury trials over the past ten years.

In all, six breaches were identified. In three of these cases, the information was disclosed to defence counsel, while in three cases the information was accessed but not disclosed to anyone outside ICBC.

ICBC does not condone the practice of jury checking. Despite the policies in place it did happen, and that is unacceptable. We thank the Commissioner for his report and his recommendations to improve our privacy policies and procedures.

The Commissioner recommends that ICBC provide training that is more specific for claims adjusters and better communication and awareness of ICBC's privacy policies for external defence counsel. Those and the other recommendations contained in the report will all be implemented.

We note that the Commissioner's report recognizes that our internal investigation was thorough and complete and supports what we have said all along: ICBC has good privacy guidelines and safeguards in place and that these were isolated incidents not reflective of common practice.

We take the protection of our customers' privacy very seriously and the Commissioner's recommendations will further improve those safeguards.

Jon Schubert
President and CEO
ICBC

The report by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner is available at:
http://www.oipc.bc.ca/orders/investigation_reports/InvestigationReportF09-01.pdf

Media Contact:
Mark Jan Vrem
604-982-2476

Adam Grossman
604-982-1332

Driver fined $4,000 for lying about crash

DNA evidence ties North Vancouver man to ditched truck

A North Vancouver man who totalled his boss's truck, and then lied to police about it being stolen, has been fined $4,000 in B.C. Provincial Court.

Judge Jane Auxier had no sympathy for Rodney Dean Johnson, 26, who lied to ICBC and the RCMP repeatedly. The Judge doubled the fine recommended by the Crown and ordered Johnson to pay ICBC's costs of undertaking DNA testing, a bill of $1,076.

"When someone abuses the (insurance) system by making false statements as Mr. Johnson has, they are effectively defrauding their fellow citizens and it is matter that should be dealt with harshly," said Judge Auxier, in handing down her sentence.

On June 30th, 2007, Johnson was driving along Highway 1 in North Vancouver when he slammed the truck into a signpost. The car was found abandoned on the shoulder of the roadway at 4:30am, with the airbag deployed.

Later that morning Johnson called North Vancouver RCMP and reported the vehicle stolen. He filed a theft claim with ICBC a few days later.

ICBC's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) got involved and submitted the driver's side airbag for forensic testing, which revealed the DNA on the bags matched that of Johnson. SIU investigators also examined his cell phone records, which led them to his girlfriend who lived close to where the vehicle had been found. She initially gave a false statement but told investigators Johnson admitted to her that he had been drinking, drove off the highway, and then abandoned the vehicle.

Johnson was charged with and pleaded guilty to making false and misleading statements to ICBC, in violation of the Insurance (Vehicle) Act. He must also pay a $300 victim surcharge.

Steve Tripp, ICBC's manager for fraud prevention, says the court is sending a clear signal that such fraudulent activity will not be tolerated. "The amount of the fine handed down by the judge in this case clearly underlines our position, that there's no place in B.C. for this kind of behaviour," he said.

ICBC is dedicated to protecting customers and their premium dollars against fraud. Anyone with information regarding a suspicious claim or other fraudulent activity 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