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PAGE 14, WYFREEPREM'IwEDNESAY, JUNE 2),199 Volunteers were honored at a special evening held by the Durham Asociation for Family Respite Services at North End Bowl in Oshawa on Jume 7. The respite program, through Respite service volunteers recognized volunteers, is ahi. to provide short-term respfite for Durham Region familles who arecaiga home for aà memborRwhog le developinentally and/or physicay handicapped. Anyoe in Durham Roeion who is interested in becoming a volunteer can contact. the program office at 668-8812 or 427-3541. The OMPP guarauntees odbeneis The average personal injury suit arising from a car accident often takes several years to wind its way through the court system before settlement. That whole -time , the injured person has to put a life back, together using personal or family resources - and stili might lose in court. A new, comprehensive auto insurance system is being introduced. It's cailed the Ontario Motorist Protection Plan. Under the OMPP, income-replacement cheques begin arriving within 10 days after' the dlaim is filed. Within 30 days, înoney to cover medical bills and therapy will be sent. No matter who caused the accident. .The principle is: the sooner resources are available to help an accident victim, the earier treatmnent and rehabiitation can begin. Studies show early rehabiitation is more humnane and beneficial to the injured person. Tefe Ontario Insurance Commission is there to ensure that injured people are treated fairly, including providing services for solving disputes. DO YOU KEEP THE RIGHT TO SUE? Yes. While guaranteed accident benefits are there for everyone, if an accident resuits in death or serious permanent injury, you may still sue. TME OMPP PUTHEif BRAKE ON INSURANCE RATES. One of the major causes of the rising number of accidents, injuries and lawsuits in Ontario is the growing volume of traffic on the roads. But a dloser look at the $l.8 billion paid out for bodily injury claims in 1988 shows that hundreds of millions of dollars neyer reached' the victims. They went to pay the costs of the adversarial legal system. Under the OMIPP, that mnoney is now used more effectively. It helps accident victims, without an expensive legal battie to assess "fault".* The new Plan 'will hold premium increases this year to only 8 % on average in urban areas, while average rates in rural areas will not increase at ail. Without a new systemn, you would have seen a premium increase in the 30-35 % range. The Ontario Motorist Protection Plan. Everyo ndms DOFAS FAULT STILL COUNT? Fault I continue to be used for rating purposes as well as determining iability for damnage to vehicles. Bad drivers will pay higher premiums. Those convicted of drunk driving or other Criininal Code offences will flot receive incoine replacenment benefits. The new Plan is more than insurance reform. Additional OPP wiil patrol the highways. Fines for traffic violations such as speeding have been more than doubled. Greater highway safety,. is a good way to control costs and reduce injuries. More than ever, itrmakes no sense to take a chance while driving., The Ontario Motorist Protection Plan makes a fundaînental distinction between good drivers- and bad drivers. It treats those involved in accidents with compassion, guaranteeing benefits and paying themn quickly, regardless of fault. It steers car insurance in the right direction. Your insurance coinpany and your broker or agent have ail the deuils. Andyou will receive an information brochure with your premi'um notice. Government ~ of Ontario P rotected l3e .- .__........_____ F * t P f f U#et 1 Ê 'e ;, ý**. c*4, 4 4. 1 ,iQ 51 44f.. .Ï1 > 4 ~ P