Moves & Views, June 2001

News

Gary Direnfeld

The Dominion of Canada has come on board as the first insurance company supporter of the "I Promise" program, says program executive director Gary Direnfeld (pictured). The new initiative is a response to studies indicating that drivers education programs are not reducing the number of teen driving accidents. Direnfeld explains that the program includes a parent-teen safe driving contract, as well as a rear window decal with a 1-800 number where driver behavior can be reported. These reports go to the new driver's parents to be dealt with as a family matter, he notes.

Dominion CEO George Cooke says the parent-teen contract is key to the program, as a means of encouraging parents to discuss responsible driving with their teens. "It's a formalization of that relationship between the new driver and the parent." Cooke also hopes that widespread support for the initiative will bring about a change in attitude and behavior among both parents and teens when it comes to the responsibility of driving.

For insurance companies, the process of supporting I Promise could include third party discounts or reduced rates, but Cooke says the means is not as important as the message. "What is most important is the program being accepted...it needs to be widespread."

Direnfeld notes that several high profile bodies have thrown their support to the North American-wide program, including Canadian Independent Adjusters Association and Transport Minister David Collenette. He expects to fully launch the program at the beginning of 2002 and is currently negotiating with several insurers.

Cooke has also presented the idea to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) as a possible new road safety initiative in the tradition of IBC's efforts against drunk driving and other issues. "A lot of people have ideas about what the next initiative should be, and I think it should be I Promise."

For more information on the program, visit www.ipromiseprogram.com or email gary123@sympatico.ca

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