its strategy of decreasing vehicle weight in order to achieve better fuel efficiency. Chrome-plated plastic wheel hub covers are available on Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Malibu passenger cars which are equipped ipo ot General Motors is turning to plastics as one Jelment in . rah *, . ie “Nest with rally wheels. The sporty looking deluxe option is also available on the GMC Sprint. The hub cover, which has simulated lug nuts, gives a deluxed ap- pearance to the rally wheel w ch is gaining in- creasing favor among car buyers. Insurance will cost less for 9 out of 10 drivers Nine out of ten. British Columbia vehicle owners will not pay any more for auto insurance in 1978 than iney did in 1977 — and many will pay less. The key is expanded Safe Driving Discounts. . While overall average remium rates are being increased by 6 per cent, the full impact of this increase will be felt only by those vehicle owners who don’t qualify for Safe Driving Discounts. Ralph Gillen, vice- chairman of the in- surance Corporttion of B.C. in unveiling the Corporation’s plans for 1978, said the greatest challenge facing the 1,500,000 vehicle owners is improving or main- taining safe driving habits. “The discount program is a direct reflection.of a drivers’ safe performance?’ he: «Without-. the: Discount, ~. - the motorist would have said. a -~esi DISCOUNTS DEFINED The discount program, not going into its second ear, will benefit the titer’ drivers: vehicle owners whose records are free of claims for. which any payment has been made for collision, property damage or odily injury (no-faull accident benefit claims do not affect Safe driving Discounts). Discounts for 1976 are: 25 per cent of your premium if you have a two year claim-free record between October 1, 1975 and September 40, 1977; and 15 per cent if you have a one year claim-iree record from October 1, 1976 to September 30, 1977. “Ninety per cent of vehicle owners in the province have established one or two year safe driving records,” said Mr. Gillen. “They will pay on average 4 per cent to 10 per cent less than they did last year throug earning Safe Driving Discounts.” The Insurance Cor- poration estimates it will give $81 million in Safe Driving Discounts to B.C. motorists in 1978. This year ‘some 1,350,000 vehicle owners received discounts which totalled more than $52 million. The small proportion of vehicle. owners whose records are nto free of claims for which yment has been made or collision, property damage or bodily injury, will face increased premiums, The over-all impact on the rate for the average insurance policy purchawed will be 6 per cent. Forsafe drivers this will be offset by Safe Driving Discounts. Drivers, however, who have lost their safe driving discount en- titlement (by having an accident between Oc- tober 1, 1976 and Sep- tember 30, 1977) may feel as much as a 25 per cent to 30 per cent increase. This is because they paid a premium that was reduced to 17.5 per cent at renewal time in 1977, but val lose the discount in 78. : Aes te SPECIFIC EXAMPLES As a specific example of the 1978 Autoplan premiums compared to 1977 and the impact of Safe Driving Discounts: Amale, over the age of 25, living in Vancouver with .a 1976 Ford Granada, insured for $200,000 Third Party Legal Liability and $100 Collision deductible, and driving the car to and from work with a claims free record paid $349 in 1977 and will pay $333 in 1978. If he did not qualify for a Safe Driving Discount in either year he would have paid $423 in 1977 and will pay $444 in 1978, A person in Northern B.C. town or city with the same car and coverage would have $354 in 1977 and will pay $334 in 1978 witha claims free record. id $428 in 1977 and $445 in 1978. SINGLE MALE UNDER 25 GRANT In addition to the Safe Driving Discounts, there is good news for the under-25 Males (Single). Vehicle owners or principal operators in the category who are claim free and have not ac- cumulated more than five “Points’’ between Jantary , 1977 and September 30, 1977 will be entitled to a 25 per cent Safe Driving Incentive Grant. . Mr. Gillen said that $6 million, about the same as last year, will be distribu by cheques starting in mid-January. Application forms are being mailed out to these young people beginning next week. $6 MILLION DEFICIT IN 1977 Speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors, Mr, Gillen said the corporation is ‘“‘finan- cially sound and is operating on a com- pletely, self-supporting asis,”’ but he added there are some major concerns. ; Despite the fact that investment income is 10 percent better than expected, and that claims operations . and ad- ministration expenses are 6 per cent below plan, the Corporation is an- tici ating about a $6 million deficit for this current year. It is primarily because of this deficit that an increase in premiums is necessary. ALARMING TREND The number of bodily injury claims has stayed about even in 1977 versus 1976 — 11,000 recorded int he first eight months of each year, However the cost of bodily injury claims has skyrocketed by 70 per.cent since last year — from $41 million to $71 million. The in- crease in premiums was essential to offset the substantial and rapid growth in bodily injur claims. “The trend which has become apparent in recent months is very alarming,”’ said Mr. Gillen. “It results from both an increase in the amounts awarded by the courts and .the out-of- court settlements that are related to them.” “While ICBC claims which have ‘gone through the courts since 1974 have only numbered in the hundreds, the impact of those relatively few cases on the thousands of bodily injury claims reported each year is direct and immediate. A court award, for instance, of $15,000 for a type of case that had previously been settled for $10,000, has a multiplier effect. This $5,000 increase for one ease must he im- mediately translated into reserves for, say, the © thousand other cases like it — an impact of $5 million — simply as a result of one court award. Since the Corporation has: 15,000 .to 20,000 . bodily injury claims annually, the arithmetic can take on astronomical proportions.” “We all pay into the Autoplan Fund and it’s our driving habits and performances that set the rates,’ he said. ‘Victims of traffic accidents deserve fair com- pensation. However, we would hope the courts and juries take a realistic approach when making bodily injury awards affecting not only the one case before them but thousands of others.” “The result of this escalation is that the Corporation must provide for an additional $47 million for claims this This year. amount, otherwise, could have. gone to increasing the fe Driving Discount.” COMMERCIAL VEHICLE _ LOSSES Some commercial vehicles will se an up- ward . adjustment | in -rates. Taxis; “logging tricks and buses continue to show high loss rations which must be offset by higher rates. Rone Te IG a NA SE EEN ¥ CANADIAN TRANSPORT COMMISSION AIR TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TRANS-PROVINCIAL AIRLINES LTD. 4 TRANSFER OF COMMERCIAL AIR SERVICE - TO SMITHERS AIR SERVICES (1974) LTD. .» By direction of the Air Transport Committee, Notice ishereby given pursuant to the provisions of Section 20 of the Air Carrier Regulations and Sectlon 27 of the National Transportation Act that Trans-Provinclal Airlines Led. and Smithers Air Services (1974) Lid. have given notice of the proposed transfer of com- mercial air service authorized by Licence No, A,T.C. 4468-63 (C) from the former to the latter. . Teans-Provinelal Airiines Ltd. is authorized by | Licence No. A.T.C. 1469-63 (c) to operate a Class 4 f Charter commercial air service using fixed wing dircrait in Groups A, Band C from a base at Smithers, . Any person or association or other body representing air transportation undertakings affected by the proposed acquisition or transaction may Intervene to object to the Committas on the grounds that it will unduly resteies competition or otherwise be prejudicial to the public interest. An Intervention, If made, shail sot out the interest of fhe intervenor and his reasons in support of his intervention and shall be endorsed with | the nameand address of the Intarvenor, his solicitor or representative and {wo (2) coples shall be mailed or delivered together with supporting documents to the Street, Cttawa, Ontarlo, KIA ONS, and a copy of the Intervention and documents shall be served upon the parties who have given the sald Notice, thelr solicitors. or representatives not later than January 23rd, 1978, Campney & Murphy, Barristers & Sollcitars, Mith Floor, First Bank Tower, 595 Burrard Street, Vancouver, B.C. VIX 1K9 Attention: Marshall M.:Soule + A‘Reply to an Intervention may be made by the proposed acquirer or person who has given the sald Natice ta the Committee and two (2) coples shail be malted or delivered to tha Secretary, Alr Transport Committee, 275 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario, KIA ON, and a copy of the Reply shall be served on the Intervenor or his solicitor within ten (10) days after receipt cf the Intervention. .. Proof of service of an Intervention or a Reply shall be made by Declaration under oath and filed with the Secretary, Air Transport Committee, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. .. The Committee will not receive any Intervention or Reply filed out of time untess the party making same satisfles the Committee that he could not hava done the same Within the time specified for reasons beyond his control. : | | : | | | | | F.5, Steele, for Secretary, Air Transport Committee THE HERALD, Monday, December 19, 1977, PAGE 7, How to survive winter driving Slow down and keep your distance. These are the two cardinal rutes of winter driving, says the B.C. Automobile Association. Snowy situations call upon special driving skills now normally actised and a eightened awareness of weather conditions. Keep in mind thast-the likelihood of becoming involved in an accident, even if it isn't your fault, is much higher tha usual. If youare at all hesitant about driving under slippery , conditions, perha you should consider taking some form of public transport until the weather clears and you feel confident once more. . Snow tires are an ab- solute must, says the auto club, to get where you are going without incident, without impeding other drivers and without becoming a hazard yourself, Depending on where you live, chains might also be a wise investment. They offer the greatest stopping and traction ability on glare ee. Before starting off, be certain your vehicle is clear of frost and snow. “Peephole’ motoring invites trouble, says the BCAA, and can earn you aticket. If your windows are frosted up, don't pour hot water on them. It could crack the glass, and even if it doesn't, the surface will quickly glaze over unless all the moisture is removed immediately. Hot water will also freeze the windshield wipers. Use a non-abrasive scraping tool followed by a dry cloth or paper towel. The best solution is to prevent the problem entirely by placing a newspaper or some other material over the windshield at night, suggests the auto club. ‘Your lock is frozen. What can yo you do without breaking your key in the. lock. ..or. damaging the locking mechanism _ itself? Again, don’t use hot water. Try a commercial de-icing agent or repeatedly heat the key tip and insert it into the lock until the key turns. A piece of masking tape placed over the locak at night should prevent it from freezing at all. Do not lower tire pressure to improve traction. It will onl reduce steering control, waste gas and cause uneven tread wear. To start up on a slip- pery surface shift to «to DRIVE for an automatic or to SECOND gear if youdrive a manual, If ya li are stuck, don’t spin your tirs tires at high speeds. This technique will rarely free your vehicle and can dangerous. : The _ tire could explode causing injury and further damage io Pped st or a ‘ap stones co i” be thrown up en- dangering passersby. Place sand or sacking under th slipping wheel, then use a gentle, back- ward-forward rocking motion. The BCAA advises motorists to press on the accelerator very gently and increase speed gradually on icy sur- faces. Drive slower than usual and signal turns and lane changes well in advance to give following cars an opportunity to slow up. When you must stop or slow up, begin sooner than usual and brake using a gentle pumping motion. to alternate locked wheels and rolling action so you can s maintain steering con- trol, says the auto club. If your vehicle doesn go into a skid, don’t panic, It is possible to recover eontrol if you know how. Since skids are likely on surves and turns, slow up ahead of time. then apply wer slightly as you get to the curve. Steer - steadily with no abrupt RE De nl eda and SEE tee ‘ change in direction and no abrupt breaking. Once you start to skid, don’t hit the brakes. Sleer in the direction of the skiduntil you recover traction and then slowly straighten the wheel. If braking is necessary, pump the brake rapidly so the wheels won't lock and intensify the skid, When driving down a snow covered hill, don’t shift to a lower gear. The sudden drag could cause skidding. Keep the car in gear and gently, but repeatedly, pump the brake pedal to slow down. Though roads may be clear, watch for icy patches in shaded areas under overpasses and on bridges. Give yourself ample room when parking. Ona downhill slope, leave enough space in front to pull out without backing. Avoid parking on a hill unless there is plenty of room to back out. Remember, advises the BCAA, that it takes 10 times as long to stop on ice as on dry concrete. Lucky Ducky VANCOUVER (CP) — Soupy, the plucky duck from Tampa, Fla., is getting his waddling clothes. After picture of the duck which s been bald since its birth 2 1-2 years ago, a local newspaper has received a hand-made duck coat to be forwarded to the duck’s owner. The garment is quilted, has straps to go around Soupy's chest and is lined with cotton “incase his or her skin is sensitive to wool,” says the donor, identified only as L. Lancer. “Nobody should go nude in this day and age," said the donor's covering letter. FOR PRIVATE USE OR BUSINESS AUTOVEST Before you buy, investigate the advantages of this rent- to-own plan. All monies paid apply to purchase. Why tle up your cash or borrowing power. ist and last months rent and drive away. EXAMPLES Based on 36 month lease P $148.00 per manth lease end price $2,175.00 or simply return 76 Camaro HT $139.00 per month or sim lease end price $2,025.00 or simply return 78 Fiesta 3 dr. $99.00 per month lease end price $1400.00 or simply return 78 Econoline Van $136.00 per month lease end price $1,975.00 78 Zephyr Sedan $124.00 per month lease end price $1,825.00 or simply return 78 F150 4x 4 78 $155.00 per month lease end price $2,275.00 or simply return 78 C 100 Chev pu $129.00 per month lease end price $1,075.00 or simply return 78 Dodge Van $129.00 per month lease end price $1,875.00 or simply return Olds Cutlass $139.00 per month lease end price $2,025.00 or simply return return FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL LARRY HAYES - RICHARDS COLLECT 987-7111 BELMONT LEASING LTD. 1140 MARINE DRIVE NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C. D.Q479A through. chart by your reminder. Hang this little phone for a handy » ke Fhe ‘ If youssont know the phone number of the party you are calling by long distance, you can obtain it at no charge by calling Long Distance Directory Assistance. We suggest you get the number in advance before the holiday rush, For calls within B.C., dial 112-555-1212 For calls outside B.C., dial 112-area code-555-1212 To Most Places Within B.C. (minimum charge 23c per call) Dec, 31, Jan. 1, 2. Telephone Tips _ for the Holiday Season. Season’s greetings are just as nice and a lot less expensive when you dial long distance direct (112) especially at discount time. It also pays to be smart | by placing your calls early, before the holiday rush, so you're sure to get Saving Tips. Long Distance Discounts On Most Calls -You Dial Yourself (112) + (area code if outside B.C.) Area Codes are listed in the front pages of your Telephone Directory. Sat. & Sun. 8am.-l1p.m. 35% off* Mon. to Fri, 5p.m.-1Lp.m. 35% off* Every Night 11p.m.- 8a.m. 60% off* Dec. 24, 25,26, Bam.-I1p.m. 35% off* To Most Other Places Within Canada and U.S.A‘ (minimum charge 20¢ per cail) Sunday 8am. -Midnight 35% off* Mon. toSat. 6p.m.-Midnight 35% off* Every Night Midnight-8a.m. 60% off* Dec, 25, 26, §a.m.- Midnight 35% off* ; Jan, 1, 2. _ *Offreguiar day rates — “*Except Alaskd and Hawaii "ROTH & a Me publishing a toe “ah onde Sqaetat Se TSE CIEL Lee SAA Sen gages h deena bu. De ete ed -_