38 - Friday, December 4, 1992 - North: Shore News AUTO MOTIVE Driving tips for handling snow-covered roads Ken Hardie AUTOTOPIC THE SNOW and ice have already visited some areas of B.C. and it could be only a matter of time for the rest of us. With that in mind, we've asked Fergus Savage, ICBC’s commer- cial vehicle safety manager, for some specific driving tips for, handling snow-covered roads. First, Savage stresses the need to drive according to the road and weather conditions, which some- times means not going out at all when it’s snowing and blowing. Avoiding heavy traffic periods will help, as will staying clear of unplowed side streets where possible. For those who must hit the road, Savage lists off the now- familiar cautions: slow down, in- ICBC targets drivers | frequently at fault with penalty poimts increase IRRESPONSIBLE DRIVERS and those who attempt to defraud will pay a greater share of the cost of auto insurance in B.C. through a series of strong measures announced on Monday by Moc Sihota, minister responsible for ICBC. “We must get tough with bad drivers, so cabinet today has ap- proved a substantial increase in driver penalty point premiums,"’ said Sihota. The increasea point values ‘will take place Jan. 1, 1993. Six points under the present scale, for example, results in a $175 premium. In 19935, that will increase to $245. A driver with nine points will move from a $325 premium to $500. In addition, motorists will now start to pay when four points are accumulated, rather than five at present. ‘ Sihota said ICBC studies show that motorists with psnalty points are much more likely to be in- volved in traffic accidents than those without any points. Drivers with just four points are up to 10 times more likely to have an acci- dent while those with 15 points are 80 times more likely to have accidents, he added. The minister said that ICBC is examining a range of options to target those drivers who have fre- quent at-fauit claims. These measures could result in further penalty sanctions through the claim-related scale, much higher deductibles for those fre- quently at-fault, and even the re- fuse! of collision coverage — a move Sihota said could result in limited access to bank loans for auto purchases, as most banks re- quire collision coverage before such a loan is granted. Sihota said similar limitations and restrictions could be placed on those who abuse comprehen-. sive coverage involving claims for fire, theft and vandalism. “The vast majority of honest people are paying for the actions ce! a few dishonest drivers,’” Sihota said. ‘‘We are taking ac- tion against those who wouid cheat the system.” He said ICBC has formed a special unit that will identify those who attempt to cheat the system by paying lower premiums than they should. ' The new unit will use ICBC’s computer data base to identify drivers guilty of at-fault accidents who transfer vehicle ownership in order to avoid higher premiums. Using similar computer sear- éé We are taking action against those who would cheat the system. 99 ches, the new unit will also iden- tify those who dishonestly declare their vehicle to be in @ fess expen- sive category. “For those convicted of fraud against ICBC, consideration is be- ing given to a policy to refuse doth collision and comprehensive coverage for a period of three years,’ Sihota said. The minister said that these new measures are meant to further support the actions already under way at the insurance corporation. A telephone tip line in place since late September receives about 25 calls every day from people reporting fraud, exaggera- tion, or the witnessing of acci- dents. A program to control the im- creasing cost of whiplash claims has been under way since late summer. In total these kinds of claims account for more than 70% of all injuries reported to ICBC, and represent almost half of the $900 million in injury claim costs. The corporation has also adopted a policy to reject whiplash claims resulting in minimal or no-damage collisions unless there is some objective proof that an injury occurred. INCLUDES: COMPLETE SYSTEM CHECK crease following distances, use low-beam headlights in daytime hours, buckle up and adjust the head rest so that it’s actually behind your head. Good tires are vital for safety. Local driving conditions may ze- quire at least all-season radials, but winter tires or even chains may be necessary. If you’re heading out of town, make sure your gas tank and your windshield fluid are topped up. Carry a sand bag for weight and traction and for yourself, a warm blanket, some candles and mai- rming and most durable vehicle in its class» 192 ISUZU RODEO “ASUZU. PICKUP. ches plus some snack food in case you get stranded. . Savage alsc has some specific tips to handie skids. He says to imagine that you have thumb tacks stuck on the gas and brake pedals and the steering wheel. if you jam on your brakes and lock your wheels you’re going to find it very hard to keep any steering control. Instead, tap your brakes gently, and when you feel your wheels start to lock, ease off just a bit. Steer gently in the direction you V6, Air Cond., Fowor Windows & Locks, Cruise, Tit Steering, Privacy Gloss, ABS th much, much more! eo © © @ 0@ e 2 ONY TROOPER XS“ want to go but don’t swing. your wheel back and forth. If you start to slide on the way down a hill, slip your transmission into neutral, tap the brakes gently, and turn your whee! gradually, Try to ease into the loose-packed snow outside the slippery whee! tracks. . Same for going uphill — stay out of wheel ruts. As a final note, Savage reminds us once again to keep an eye on the road and the sky dy tuning in radio road and weather reports and noting the Highways Depart- ment road condition bulletins. SUZU\SPACE a’ ars INCLUDES: eCLEAN SCREENS *COMPLETE ADJUSTMENT *INSTALL NEW PAN GASKET tha life of your vehicle. Protect yous investment, hove #t serviced regularly. NEY