THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
Vol. 39, Issue 37
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ICBC targets distracted driving
2011 CCNA
By Jeff Nagel Black Press
Barriere’s Toy Run 7th Annual
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Pediatrician coming to the valley ..... page 4
New rules for school zones Be sure to obey traffic signs
..... page 6
Terry Fox Run Run for the cure
..... page 20
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STAR/JOURNAL photo: Jill Hayward
Aboriginal Engagement visits the Library Connection Circle
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Winston Randy David Wilbur, three, thoroughly enjoys playing the drums during the Aboriginal Engagement Success By Six presentation at the Barriere Library last month. Find more on page 9 inside.
Police and ICBC are launching a month-long campaign to deter distracted driving, the third leading cause of fatal car crashes in the province after speed and impaired driving. Driver distraction is blamed as a factor in 91 fatalities province-wide each year. Transportation ministry officials estimate drivers are four times likelier to crash when talking on a hand-held phone while driving and 23 times more likely to be in a crash if texting. Enforcement by officers handing out $167 fines will be stepped up throughout September, according to police. Officials kicked off the campaign Thursday using a simulator to show the effect of distractions on a driver. “Driving is a complex task that requires your full attention,” ICBC interim president Mark Blucher said. “When you’re distracted behind the wheel your reaction time is significantly reduced. Distracted driving is a common cause of rear-end crashes and injuries – there is no safe following distance when your mind is not on the road.” A 2012 survey for ICBC found B.C. motorists consider texting while driving to be just as risky as drinking and driving, yet 40 per cent of those who own cellphones admit they’ve used a handheld phone while driving. ICBC says its statistics count use of communications or video equipment among the sources of driver distraction, along with driver inattention and other sources of internal or external distraction. ICBC injury payouts reached $1.9 billion in 2012, up $165 million from the previous year and a $400 million increase over five years. The Crown corporation cited that increase as the main reason for its application to raise premiums 4.9 per cent, effective Nov. 1.
S E R V I N G T H E N O RT H T H O M P S O N VA L L E Y F R O M H E F F L E Y C R E E K TO B L U E R I V E R
Clearwater A&W and Jim’s Food Markets 4th Annual
Show& Shine
September 14 • 11am - 3pm at A&W/ Shell Station 369 E Yellowhead
Open to any Cars, Trucks or Bikes Register by 10am day of event
BBQ Ribs Bannock Face Painting All proceeds to SucessBy6