How safe are you at home and on the road? Drop by IBC's Safety Zone to find out

TORONTO, May 13, 2015 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada's (IBC's) Safety Zone, with its acclaimed driving simulator the Safety Mobile, is returning to a number of events across Ontario this summer. The next stop is Toronto Police Service East Toronto Safety Expo on May 14, 2015. Back by popular demand, the Safety Mobile will demonstrate the dangers of major road safety issues.

Distracted Driving: The Safety Mobile shows drivers how their reaction times slow down, and the dangerous consequences this can have, by getting people to use their phones to text while they drive the simulator. Participants will receive bumper magnets for their vehicles, along with tips and advice on how to prevent distracted driving.

"According to current collision statistics, the chance of a crash increases 23 times when a driver is texting behind the wheel," said Steve Kee, IBC's Director of Media and Digital Communications. "Our message is simple: Drive now, text later and live longer."

Staged Collisions: Participants can experience four common staged-collision scenarios, including the swoop-and-squat, drive-down, target-and-bullet, and red-light rear end. Participants will also receive tips on how to avoid becoming victims and how to report suspected insurance fraud.

"In Ontario, auto insurance fraud is estimated to be up to a $1.6 billion a-year problem," said Steve Kee. "It drives up the cost of auto insurance by adding an average of $200 to each auto insurance policy in the province," he added.

Consumers can call IBC's TIPS Line if they suspect an insurance crime. The toll-free number for this confidential, 24-hour service is 1-877-IBC-TIPS (422-8477). To learn more about insurance crime, visit ibc.ca.  

New to the interactive booth is the Charge & Chat Station where visitors can charge their electronic devices and discuss their insurance questions with IBC ambassadors. Information about safety and insurance topics will be available in several languages including Mandarin, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi. Families are also invited to bring their children to the fun, interactive Safe Home Now display to learn about home safety. 

IBC's Safety Zone will be at the East Toronto Safety Expo on Thursday, May 14, (6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.) at the Ismaili Centre. The Ismaili Centre is located at 49 Wynford Drive in Toronto. Find a map here: https://goo.gl/xDdBVK.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 118,000 Canadians, pays $6.7 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $48 billion.  

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_Ontario or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2-ASK-IBC.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

To schedule an interview, please contact: Celyeste Power, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312, 647-384-9872, [email protected]