ATHABASCA – While $3,000 may not go as far as it used to, it’s still a substantial chunk of change if you aren’t able to afford car insurance, or just forgot to renew the annual coverage.
Justice Jeffrey Champion reminded two drivers of that fact during the Jan. 13 Athabasca Court of Justice sitting, stressing that $3,000 was on the lighter end of the potential financial damage for the offence.
“It’s an extremely dumb decision to drive without insurance and let me tell you why the law requires it,” said Champion. “First of all, it’s for the protection of others — you’re extremely fortunate you weren’t involved in an accident. If someone had been injured, you could have had a six-figure judgement against you.”
Curtis Miller and Chloe Lofvendahl both pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, which carries a mandatory fine of $3,000.
“Insurance protects you too. I’ll tell you Ms. Lofvendahl, you’re just playing Russian Roulette. This is extremely cheap compared to what could have happened if you had been in an accident.”
Miller also pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle while unauthorized. The offence carries a $600 fine, as well as an additional six-month driving prohibition in addition to any existing prohibitions he was currently serving. As part of his plea, two additional tickets for unspecified offences were withdrawn.
“It’s a phenomenally stupid decision, it exposes you to hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage,” repeated Champion during Miller’s sentencing.
Miller and Lofvendahl were both given six months to pay the fines, or risk 45 days in custody in default.
