Politicians Interfering with ICBC Plans To Improve Safety

The response has been quick. The few reckless and aggressive drivers who cause the majority of crashes, injuries and deaths, were complaining on the airwaves this morning upon hearing about ICBC's plans to reduce rates for good drivers while increasing them for risky drivers.

Excessive speed and reckless driving are serious threats to cyclists, pedestrians and other drivers. Such measures that encourage people to obey the law and drive more responsibly will save lives.

From Solicitor-General looks to put brakes on ICBC plan to hike rates 

Under the proposed model, close to one-third of B.C. drivers can expect to pay higher vehicle insurance premiums based on a blemished driving record, with the money being used to provide discounts for the balance of drivers who haven’t been ticketed. The higher rates – as yet undisclosed – would be sustained for three years. 

“Unsafe passing, following too close, running a red light, those sorts of moving violations are going to be captured and become part of the record that we look at when we determine your insurance rate,” Mr. Jan Vrem said. He said a single ticket might not be enough to trigger higher premiums under the proposal, but much of the detail is still to be worked out. “It’ll be circumstantial, one ticket won’t necessarily mean higher rates, but you won’t get the safe drivers’ discount under the rate model we proposed,” he said.

Unfortunately, politicians are already trying to interfere, placing politics ahead of safety. Both Solicitor-General Shirley Bond and John Horgan, the New Democratic Party opposition house leader, are criticizing ICBC for this proposal.

The excuse is that that:

Ms. Clark has promised to rethink all government fees to look at reducing the total tax burden on B.C. families. 

However, most BC families would actually benefit from reduced ICBC fees. Crashes would decrease reducing ICBC fees as well as health cares costs due to injuries. Ironically, her budget includes increasing medical service plan premiums. Thanks.

More importantly, automobile injuries and deaths tend to be very family unfriendly. It is time for politicians to grow a spine and base decisions on evidence and overall benefit to society.

Write the Premier
Please email Hon. Christy Clark Premier@gov.bc.ca 

Please cc your MLA and give them a call too. You can find their email address and phone at: http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-1.htm

As well, cc:

shirley.bond.mla@leg.bc.ca, adrian.dix.mla@leg.bc.ca, john.horgan.mla@leg.bc.ca, lana.popham.mla@leg.bc.ca

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Radio Station Call in Shows

I also expect the usual suspects will be "chatting" about this on the radio for the next day or two. Please call in to provide some balance.

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