Big prizes for individuals and registered communities
September 26, 2005 – Vancouver BC – ICBC, the provincial government and local police forces have designated October as Zero Crash Month and are challenging communities and individuals to make every effort to help reduce motor vehicle crashes.
This October, 22,000 British Columbians are predicted to be in motor vehicle crashes, with almost 6,500 people likely to be injured.
“On average, approximately 80,000 British Columbians are injured and over 400 are killed in car crashes each year,” said the Honorable John Les, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Making roads safer is a priority for our government and I encourage everyone to make it a priority to participate in the Community Crash Reduction Challenge.”
From Oct. 1 to 31, registered communities that experience the greatest reduction in crashes involving their residents will be awarded road safety grants of $5,000 to $35,000. Prize categories are based on population.
Individual drivers are eligible to win a grand prize of $35,000 toward the purchase of a new vehicle, as well as other great prizes. Drivers can take the challenge to drive safely by registering online at www.zerocrashmonth.com
“Almost every family has been touched by the effects of a motor vehicle crash,” said Paul Taylor, ICBC’s president and CEO. “The Challenge gives us all the opportunity to make a real difference in the number of crashes that occur each year in BC.”
Police will be doing their part to help make October Zero Crash Month with additional traffic enforcement on BC roads.
Prize winners and community crash reduction results will be announced on November 17, 2005. Winning communities will hold the title of Community Crash Reduction Challenge Champion for one year.
