ICBC's Games time tips for Southern Interior region

How to enjoy a safe 2010 Winter Games

VANCOUVER , Feb. 11 /CNW/ - The countdown is on! Southern Interior residents are about to welcome some of the 250,000 visitors expected for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Some residents may be planning their own trips to attend the Games. One thing is for sure - the roads are going to be busier than ever with extra vehicles, taxis, buses and pedestrians.

While ICBC is well prepared to deal with the anticipated increase in claims in February, there are some important things to keep in mind. Here are ICBC's top smart driving tips for the Games period:

    
    -   Be a good host: This is our chance to be good hosts and display smart
        driving skills by slowing down and keeping our distance from other
        vehicles - drivers and pedestrians unfamiliar with our roads may need
        a bit more space. Set an example by being courteous and patient -
        your smart driving decisions will be appreciated and can have a
        significant influence on others.

    -   Plan your trip: If you're heading to the Lower Mainland, plan your
        trip ahead of time. Road closures, significantly reduced on-street
        parking and tens of thousands of more pedestrians are going to be a
        reality that will make driving more challenging. To plan your commute
        visit travelsmart2010.ca and the City of Vancouver's website:
        olympichostcity.vancouver.ca.

    -   Protect yourself from auto crime: While auto theft numbers in B.C.
        are at a six-year low, more visitors can lead to more opportunities
        for auto thieves. If you're heading to the Lower Mainland, we
        encourage you to use transit during the Games whenever possible. If
        you need to drive part of the way to an event, then park at one of
        the 22 official Park & Rides locations. Wherever you park, aim for
        open areas that are well-lit and near significant pedestrian
        activity. Once parked, take some steps to also protect yourself from
        vehicle break-ins. While it's important to remove any valuables from
        your car - such as travel documents, event tickets or other personal
        possessions - you should go a step further and remove everything from
        your vehicle, even bags with nothing valuable in them.

    -   Check your coverage: You may need to update your vehicle use,
        territory and coverage if you're working as a volunteer during the
        Games; if you plan to rent out your vehicle; if you plan to rent or
        borrow someone else's vehicle or have guests that will be driving
        your vehicle. Talk to your Autoplan broker about your situation and
        insurance coverage. If you have out of province guests who are
        bringing their own vehicle, be sure to remind them to review their
        coverage with their insurance company or agent back home prior to
        arriving in B.C.

    -   Record the details: If you're unfortunate enough to be in a crash and
        it's with a non-resident, it's important that you record as much
        information as possible to help your claim go smoothly. Record the
        licence plate of any other vehicles involved, along with the driver's
        address and phone numbers (including their temporary contact details
        while in B.C.), email address and, most importantly, the name of
        their insurance company and their policy number. ICBC's At the scene
        of a crash claims card can help you recall the pertinent information
        you'll need. The cards are available from Autoplan brokers, ICBC
        claim centres or can be downloaded from
        http://www.icbc.com/claims/How-claim/claims_card.pdf.

    -   Be a role model: Set an example with your smart driving decisions and
        remember that in B.C., drivers are not permitted to talk, type or
        dial on any hand-held device while driving. Only hands-free
        cellphones and devices that require one touch to activate are
        allowed. Visit drivecellsafe.com for more information and tips.

    -   Party safely: The 2010 Winter Games will be a party the likes of
        which we have never seen before, but it's important that we all have
        a good time responsibly. If you're drinking, help make these the
        safest Winter Games possible by making sure you and your guests have
        safe rides home - encourage the use of transit, designated drivers
        and have taxi numbers on hand. It's also possible to have a lot of
        fun without alcohol - a hot apple cider, a smooth and creamy Kootenay
        Koffee or a tart and tingling Lemon Fizz are fun and easy-to-make
        mocktail treats. For these quick and simple recipes, go to
        http://www.icbc.com/road-safety/safer-drivers/drinking-
driving/mocktails.
    

For many more tips on how to enjoy a safe 2010 Winter Games on the road, visit icbc.com/on_road_2010/.

For further information: Media contacts: Michelle Hargrave, [phone]