x Controversy surrounds recent premium increases THE EDITORIAL pages of B.C.’s daily and community newspapers have featured a number of questions concern- ing ICBC and the recent premium increases. This week, we’ll address some of those questions. An Osoyoos resident wonders why the government is allowing ICBC premiums to go up, when they campaigned against ‘‘higher taxes’’ in the last election. She suggests the government take ac- tion to bring them down. ICBC premiums are not a **tax” levied by government. They represent the price of the financial Protection motorists want in order to avoid the cost of vehicle- related losses they have caused to others or themselves. The cost of this protecticn is driven by the number and cost of claims made against all the policies issued by the corporation. Ultimately there. must be enough money in the fund to pay for these claims. To lower premiums without taking action to reduce claims would mean receiv- ing some kind of subsidy from taxpayers. We would be asking non-motorists to share some of the costs of our collective driving record, ICBC was established as a break-even, user-pay system. Even with this year’s premium in- creases, the corporation expects a “DYNAMIC AUTO CENTRE L7D. 230 McKay Road North Vancorver, B.C. V7P 3H4 behind Capilano Mall Snecializing: ® Mercedes-Benz « Audi « BIW « o VW + Porsche « Volvo and other Import and Domestic Cars . We specialize in: F © Tune-ups, erigines ¢ Transmission service ° Brake service ¢ Free oil & lube with any major repair (Filter extra) me Mercedes-Benz machanics fer the past 9 years Designated inspection Facility’ FREE 49 POINT SAFETY INSPECTION 10% off PARTS & LABOURX | WITH THIS COUPON ONLY VALID UNTIL MARCH 31/92 987-2231 | amonth 92 Golf "92 Jetta $1,000 down* please cail or visit Capilano Volkswagen Lid. 1151 Marine Drive, North Vancouver Capilano Volkswagen anmounces a great improvement for 41992. Honest-to-goodness lower ieasing. $199 *24g a month $1,500 down" No gimmicks, no strings. Just honestly low monthly payments Honestly iow down payments. And the most honest lease terms around. Prices are based on a 48 month lease, and Include freight and PDI. Taxes are extra * {f youd prefer to pay a smaller down payment than shown in our illustration, we can easily accommodate this wish with a small increase in your monthly payment. Our fease plans are subject to approved credit. For complete detalis on models, avaitabitity, price, etc, °299 a month ‘92 Passat CL $2,950 dawn* Phone 985-0694 INSURANCE CORPORATION. OF BRITISH COLUMBIA AUTO TOPIC $100 million deficit, meaning motorists ure still paying less than ‘cost’ for their insurance. A Richmond newspaper’s edito- tial echoed many others when it said ICBC must ‘‘bite the bullet’’ and systematically weed out in- | Northshore» Ushore tore A Mazda representative will be on nand to answer all your questions or give tips how to properly maintain your Mazda. 00 8 BLK A ABING PR ‘NOR UVE competent drivers. Within § its power and mandate, the corpora- tion has taken steps in this direc- tion. Ten years ago ICBC began delivering traffic safety education Programs to youngsters from kindergarten to Grade 12. The long-term goal is to produce a new generation of motorists with much better attitudes toward safe- ty and the privilege of driving. The corporation is co-sponsor of B.C.’s CounterAttack program against drinking drivers which has been effective in helping the police Genuine Mazda Parts | Specialized Mazda Service CALL TODAY AND BOOK — | YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW, FEB. 10-11-12 & 13th & Accessories | get some of the worst drivers off the read, at least for one night. The courts face a number of complex challenges in determining if these drivers are to be removed from the road for a longer time. ICBC also sponsors police en- forcement campaigns on speeding and safety belt use and works with B.C.’s_ Motor Vehicle Branch, which has jurisdiction over driver licensing and driver training. Next week, more comments from the editorial pages and a chance for you to have your say.