What’s new: In brief (November 21, 2004)

Human deaths due to vehicles colliding with animals on U.S. roads are on the rise, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS says in 2003, such fatalities rose 27%, to 201. This is almost double the average number of deaths seen in the mid-1990s. And most of these deaths were preventable, the IIHS notes, resulting from drivers not wearing seatbelts or motorcyclists not wearing helmets (note that one-third of animal collisions involved motorcycles, even though passenger vehicles outnumber them 40 to 1 on the road). About 75% of such crashes involve deer and most occurred in late fall.

The Honorable Order of the Blue Goose International – Ontario Pond continues to raise funds for the 2008 Grand Nest Convention to be held in Toronto. Recently, the Pond was very grateful to receive donations from the Alberta Pond, Edmonton Pond, Past Most Loyal Gander Bob Jackson and Signum Corporate Services. To learn more about the organization and the 2008 Convention, visit www.bluegooseontario.org.

The Toronto Insurance Women’s Association is already planning its 2005 Wine & Cheese Reception, slated for February 17, and the organization says now is the time to get tickets for this popular event. TIWA is also encouraging new members to join and reap the benefits, including receiving the “TIWA Topics” newsletter. For more information, visit www.tiwa.org and questions about the Wine & Cheese can be forwarded to Sylvie Hand at 416-979-4478 or Brendalee Frederick at 416-644-4812.