Article in Oakville Today
By Ian Holroyd
Arts & Entertainment
Dec 04, 2008
Never in my life have police officers been so eager to see me drink beer.
I volunteered to be a guinea pig for the Halton Regional Police Service impaired driving media event hosted by Drivewise driving school last Friday.
My job was to have lunch, drink beer, take breathalyzers as I progress – or regress as it were – and drive a state of the art driving simulator.
It was the sweetest assignment that has ever come across my desk.
If I took too long with a beer, an officer was right there to get me going again and if my beer was low an officer was there to top me up. It was the best service I have ever had.
But I wasn’t there just to enjoy the company, the beverages and the corned beef sandwiches with sauerkraut–delicious by the way–I was there to report on the seriousness of drinking and driving and how alcohol can affect everyone differently.
I am a lanky fellow and alcohol affects me in a way that I can only describe as, debilitating.
After five beers and a corned beef sandwich, I was having, what I thought, was an eloquent, intelligent conversation with officer Keith Nakahara. He noticed I was slurring my speech and administered a quick eye test.
Officer Nakahara thought that I would be lucky to pass a breathalyzer and at least I would blow a 12-hour suspension.
‘There is no way I’m going to blow over already,’ I thought. But boy can he spot ‘em.
I did a breathalyzer right away. I blew a .070, still under the legal limit of .080 but over the .050 of a 12-hour suspension. I was shocked. I only had five beers.
I spoke with a gentleman named Rich who was all too familiar with the process of being charged with impaired driving. He volunteered his time to speak with the media and warn the public about the dangers of drinking and getting behind the wheel.
“There is a lot of humiliation involved with getting pulled over,” said Rich. “But, I was lucky enough not to hurt anybody or myself in the process.”
Along the embarrassment of being charged with impaired, Rich had to pay an $1100 fine and had a year suspension on his license. After the year, he had the option of serving a second year suspension on his license or installing a breathalyzer in his car at his expense. The breathalyzer, with installation, recalibration and extraction, cost him about $1000 when all was said and done.
It is worth the $10 cab ride.
“We’re all adults and we’ve go to make adult choices,” said Rich.
On that note, I cracked my seventh beer because by then I was determined to blow over and tackle the Drivewise simulator.
I was getting loose and feeling confident that I could beat the machine. Alcohol affects people in strange ways.
I blew a .132 with my next breathalyzer, almost double the legal limit and was ready to go. As I was waiting my turn, another volunteer, Steph Cousens, 23, hit a pedestrian in her virtual reality auto and I started to get nervous.
I buckled my seat belt and started her up, so far so good. I pulled away, but I forgot to turn my blinker off. Apparently, I was speeding too.
I spotted a cute little deer grazing at the side of the road. “You stay right there,” I said pointing at him, looking through one half opened eye. Like I said, alcohol affects people in crazy ways.
Next thing I knew, Bambi was smeared across the grill of my simulated sedan. I didn’t even see it coming. There was a large crash and I was sent clear to the other side of the road.
I was dead and the deer was dead all because I was too drunk to drive.
Every year Halton Police and MADD Canada embark upon anti-drinking and driving campaigns around the holidays, but people still don’t get the message. If you drink, don’t drive. It just isn’t worth it.For more information about not drinking and driving visit, www.madd.ca or for more information on the Halton Regional Police Service visit www.hrps.on.ca.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
McGuinty Government Proposes New Rules For Novice Drivers And Tougher
Many people are hoping that these new changes to the graduated licensing system will improve road safety.
The Graduated Licensing System does work...14 years after this program began, fatalities and injuries among teen drivers have declined by almost 25%.
These improvements propsed has caused anger among "young" drivers...when browsing around facebook, checking out groups spefically "young drivers" there are a lot of posting showing young people outraged by the proposed changes, and what seems apparent from the posts, is how the Government defines "young" or "teen" the category places anyone between the ages of 16-21. Well many people past 19 don't associate themselves as a teen any longer, and this seems to have struck a cord for many who are posting messages out there.
The other overwhelming responses have to do with passenger restrictions. While speaking with one mother yesterday, she indicated that many times this is how her daughter gets to soccer practice and it is really going to put more cars back onto the roadways...?!? Perhaps the legislation should restrict the number of passengers after a certain hour of the day...maybe evening hours...when the partying is likely to occur. Having said that statistic are a series of facts, and unfortunately the facts show that young people do crash more often when there are more then 1 passenger in the vehicle. It all comes down to distractions...'Young' drivers simply do not have the experience to handle too many distractions while they are driving...that is not to say that older people are really any better in handling distractions, simply we have a depth of knowledge of the consequences of those distractions, and do tend to behave with slightly more caution. Young people just simply do not have the consequences ingrained as a real possibility.
I will be going through the new legislation and creating several posts over the next few days to wade through all of these new changes.
The Graduated Licensing System does work...14 years after this program began, fatalities and injuries among teen drivers have declined by almost 25%.
These improvements propsed has caused anger among "young" drivers...when browsing around facebook, checking out groups spefically "young drivers" there are a lot of posting showing young people outraged by the proposed changes, and what seems apparent from the posts, is how the Government defines "young" or "teen" the category places anyone between the ages of 16-21. Well many people past 19 don't associate themselves as a teen any longer, and this seems to have struck a cord for many who are posting messages out there.
The other overwhelming responses have to do with passenger restrictions. While speaking with one mother yesterday, she indicated that many times this is how her daughter gets to soccer practice and it is really going to put more cars back onto the roadways...?!? Perhaps the legislation should restrict the number of passengers after a certain hour of the day...maybe evening hours...when the partying is likely to occur. Having said that statistic are a series of facts, and unfortunately the facts show that young people do crash more often when there are more then 1 passenger in the vehicle. It all comes down to distractions...'Young' drivers simply do not have the experience to handle too many distractions while they are driving...that is not to say that older people are really any better in handling distractions, simply we have a depth of knowledge of the consequences of those distractions, and do tend to behave with slightly more caution. Young people just simply do not have the consequences ingrained as a real possibility.
I will be going through the new legislation and creating several posts over the next few days to wade through all of these new changes.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Texting & Driving Don't Mix...
This was the title of a news cast done on ABC News tonight...
Click on the title and go watch the broadcast...this message speaks volumes...!!!
Click on the title and go watch the broadcast...this message speaks volumes...!!!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Article in the Globe & Mail about potential changes in the Graduated Licensing System
ROAD SAFETY
Ontario eyeing tougher rules for new young drivers
Details of proposed changes not released but could include longer wait to get full licence
COLIN PERKEL
The Canadian Press
September 11, 2008
TORONTO -- New young drivers in Ontario could face tougher restrictions such as a longer wait to get a full licence and tighter rules about carrying passengers if new legislation passes this fall, the provincial government said yesterday.
Transportation Minister Jim Bradley said in an interview that he has been pondering changes to the province's 14-year-old graduated licensing system that would target new drivers.
"It's not that we're trying to pick on young people but that's where we see accidents happening over the years," Mr. Bradley said.
"There's a feeling that young people are more easily influenced by outside circumstances than others are."
Statistics indicate new drivers - especially younger ones - are more accident prone. To deal with the issue, Ontario introduced graduated licensing for new drivers in 1994.
The current licence for new drivers keeps them off certain major highways, sets a minimum 20 months before earning full driving privileges, and limits how many people new drivers can carry in their vehicle.
One person pushing for tighter rules for young drivers is Tim Mulcahy, whose 20-year-old son, Tyler, and friends, Kourosh Totonchian, 19, and Cory Mintz, 20, were killed in a crash after drinking at a restaurant in Muskoka, an area north of Toronto popular with cottagers.
The three young men died when the car they were in plunged into the waters of Lake Joseph, near Minett, Ont., in July.
Police said speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.
Mr. Mulcahy, who has written Premier Dalton McGuinty urging tougher rules, is pushing the provincial government to revoke the licences of young drivers who are caught either speeding or drinking for between three months and a year.
Speaking before a cabinet meeting yesterday, Mr. McGuinty called the crash a "terrible tragedy" and expressed sympathy with the idea of tougher licensing.
"The dad is taking inspiration from the death of his son to look for a public policy change, which he believes would make the roads safer for all our kids," Mr. McGuinty said.
"He may be onto something."
Mr. McGuinty said he did not have details of the proposed changes that could come this fall and Mr. Bradley was reluctant to provide them pending review by his cabinet colleagues.
"Suffice to say it's designed to make our roads safer," Mr. Bradley said.
He said other individuals and groups have also expressed support for changes to toughen the licensing requirements.
It's important to ensure young people develop sound habits at the start of their driving careers, he added.
Ontario eyeing tougher rules for new young drivers
Details of proposed changes not released but could include longer wait to get full licence
COLIN PERKEL
The Canadian Press
September 11, 2008
TORONTO -- New young drivers in Ontario could face tougher restrictions such as a longer wait to get a full licence and tighter rules about carrying passengers if new legislation passes this fall, the provincial government said yesterday.
Transportation Minister Jim Bradley said in an interview that he has been pondering changes to the province's 14-year-old graduated licensing system that would target new drivers.
"It's not that we're trying to pick on young people but that's where we see accidents happening over the years," Mr. Bradley said.
"There's a feeling that young people are more easily influenced by outside circumstances than others are."
Statistics indicate new drivers - especially younger ones - are more accident prone. To deal with the issue, Ontario introduced graduated licensing for new drivers in 1994.
The current licence for new drivers keeps them off certain major highways, sets a minimum 20 months before earning full driving privileges, and limits how many people new drivers can carry in their vehicle.
One person pushing for tighter rules for young drivers is Tim Mulcahy, whose 20-year-old son, Tyler, and friends, Kourosh Totonchian, 19, and Cory Mintz, 20, were killed in a crash after drinking at a restaurant in Muskoka, an area north of Toronto popular with cottagers.
The three young men died when the car they were in plunged into the waters of Lake Joseph, near Minett, Ont., in July.
Police said speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.
Mr. Mulcahy, who has written Premier Dalton McGuinty urging tougher rules, is pushing the provincial government to revoke the licences of young drivers who are caught either speeding or drinking for between three months and a year.
Speaking before a cabinet meeting yesterday, Mr. McGuinty called the crash a "terrible tragedy" and expressed sympathy with the idea of tougher licensing.
"The dad is taking inspiration from the death of his son to look for a public policy change, which he believes would make the roads safer for all our kids," Mr. McGuinty said.
"He may be onto something."
Mr. McGuinty said he did not have details of the proposed changes that could come this fall and Mr. Bradley was reluctant to provide them pending review by his cabinet colleagues.
"Suffice to say it's designed to make our roads safer," Mr. Bradley said.
He said other individuals and groups have also expressed support for changes to toughen the licensing requirements.
It's important to ensure young people develop sound habits at the start of their driving careers, he added.
Ontario Government are discussing changes to the Graduated Licensing system
Announcement made today...this article is from CP24
Thu Sep. 11 2008 12:07:20 PM
Province pondering changes to graduated licensing system
Web Staff, cp24.com
The wreck of an Audi sits in a lake near Muskoka. Three young adults were killed in this crash.
The Ontario government is pondering making changes to its 14-year-old graduated licensing system to place more restrictions on young drivers.
Transportation Minister Jim Bradley says the government is not trying to pick on young drivers, but statistics show they are more accident prone.
The current graduated licensing system already places several restrictions on new drivers. It takes them at least 20 months to obtain a license with full driving privileges and limits the number of passengers they can carry in their vehicle.
Recently, however, the father of a 20-year-old man killed in a cottage country crash this summer is lobbying the government for tougher rules.
Tim Mulcahy's son Tyler, and his two friends, Kourosh Totonchian, 19, and Cory Mintz, 20, were involved in a crash that plunged the trio's car into a lake near Minett, Ont.
Reports say they had been drinking at a Muskoka restaurant before the accident. Police say speed and alcohol were factors in the accident.
Mulcahy is asking the provincial government to revoke the licenses of young drivers who are caught speeding or drinking for three months to a year.
Bradley says other individuals and groups have also been lobbying for tougher licensing requirements.
He did not say which specific changes were being considered, pending a review by cabinet colleagues.
Thu Sep. 11 2008 12:07:20 PM
Province pondering changes to graduated licensing system
Web Staff, cp24.com
The wreck of an Audi sits in a lake near Muskoka. Three young adults were killed in this crash.
The Ontario government is pondering making changes to its 14-year-old graduated licensing system to place more restrictions on young drivers.
Transportation Minister Jim Bradley says the government is not trying to pick on young drivers, but statistics show they are more accident prone.
The current graduated licensing system already places several restrictions on new drivers. It takes them at least 20 months to obtain a license with full driving privileges and limits the number of passengers they can carry in their vehicle.
Recently, however, the father of a 20-year-old man killed in a cottage country crash this summer is lobbying the government for tougher rules.
Tim Mulcahy's son Tyler, and his two friends, Kourosh Totonchian, 19, and Cory Mintz, 20, were involved in a crash that plunged the trio's car into a lake near Minett, Ont.
Reports say they had been drinking at a Muskoka restaurant before the accident. Police say speed and alcohol were factors in the accident.
Mulcahy is asking the provincial government to revoke the licenses of young drivers who are caught speeding or drinking for three months to a year.
Bradley says other individuals and groups have also been lobbying for tougher licensing requirements.
He did not say which specific changes were being considered, pending a review by cabinet colleagues.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Tire Tips
Check your tires
Without proper maintenance, your tires could fail and cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Proper tire maintenance is not only critical to the safe operation of your vehicle, but will also improve fuel economy, extend tire life, provide better vehicle handling, help prevent avoidable breakdowns and collisions, and reduce exhaust emissions that contribute to environmental, health and climate change problems.
Driving on under-inflated tires at high speeds on a warm summer day is a dangerous combination. For safety's sake, check your tires once a month, especially before you head out on a long trip.
Make sure your tires are inflated to the correct levels and do not exceed the load limit of your vehicle. This information can usually be found on the inside of the driver's door.
Inspect your tires regularly for uneven tread wear, cuts, cracks, bulges and foreign objects and rotate tires on a regular basis.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Economy Driving
I found several websites with great tips on driving economically that I would like to share with my readers. Disclaimer: It is of critical importance that you always place safety first and fuel economy a very distant second. Although economic miling may be an engaging, exciting and money-saving challenge, never place fuel economy above your safety or that of other road users. Obey all local traffic laws and keep defensive driving your highest priority.
Some of these tips have also come from ecomodder.com - but the disclaimer with this website is that they do some fairly frightening techniques to save fuel...I believe in safety first and only recommend the tips as outlined below...!!!
1. Clean junk from your trunk
The additional weight you carry in your vehicle doesn't ride for free. It takes energy to move it around. Removing unnecessary stuff from your vehicle saves fuel.
2. Remove unused roof racks
If your vehicle come with a roof rack and you don't use it, remove it. Same holds true for bike racks. Doing so will reduce aerodynamic drag, resulting in better fuel economy.
3. Check tire inflation regularly
Make sure that your tire pressures are, at minimum, set to manufacturer specifications. The higher the pressure, the less rolling resistance.Remember that pressure is affected by ambient temperature. As temperature drops, so does your tire pressure, so keep track as the seasons change.
4. Track your fuel consumption
One of the first steps in improving efficiency is tracking fuel consumption. Get in the habit of saving all your fuel receipts, recording distance travelled and fuel economy (MPG). Keep a small notebook to record trip type and new techniques employed to monitor your progress.While the slower pace of tank-to-tank feedback isn't ideal for feedback on driving technique, recording and montoring your "big picture" progress is great motivation. See the Ecomodder Blog for more information on tracking fuel consumption. (They recommend the scanguage - which I have seen in action myself...it is a really great device to help you keep track of your driving consumption and also habits regarding fuel consumption)
5. Take the road less traveled
Generally speaking, if you have the option of choosing lightly traveled roads over busier ones, you give yourself more flexibility to employ a wider range of fuel saving techniques than if you are surrounded by other vehicles.You may even find that a somewhat longer, lightly traveled route may result in lower overall amount of fuel used than the shorter, busier route.
6. Leave early and don't rush
The enemy of efficient driving is finding yourself in a rush. Leave for your destination a little early so you don't feel pressure to drive faster, brake later and otherwise fall back into bad habits.Driving efficiently can be much more relaxing than the typical person's driving style, but you need to allow a bit of extra time.
7. Crosswind barrier
Headwinds aren't the only winds that increase fuel consumption - cross winds can have a large negative effect as well. In crosswind conditions, choosing a route with a barrier (trees or buildings) along the edge will save fuel compared to a road in the open. - this may or may not be possible but it is something to think about...!!!
8. The 'corridor effect'
All else being equal, traveling at a constant speed on a freeway within a flow of traffic (in the same direction) is more efficient than going the same speed in isolation. The reason is aerodynamic: a flow of traffic generates a localized wind current in the direction of travel. You will benefit from this artificial breeze. (Keep space for safety - you can still obtain the 'corridor effect' while maintaining a safe driving distance between vehicles - safety must always be the first priority)
9. Avoid drive-thrus
Avoid drive thru windows. They lead to excessive idling.
10. Lane of least resistance
In multi-lane traffic, choose the "lane of least resistance" to avoid unnecessary and unpredictable braking/changes in speed. EG. avoid lanes where buses are starting and stopping, or cars may be braking unpredictably to turn into driveways/parking lot entrances. (This is not only a good fuel efficient idea...it is a great defensive driving technique)
11. Combine errands
Avoid very short trips. If you have multiple stops, plan them to do all on the same trip. Fuel economy is enhanced once the engine is warmed up, so a longer "chain" of errands will result in better fuel economy than multiple short ones, particularly in cold weather.
12. Avoid Air Conditioning
Avoid using your air conditioner at all costs. Everything you’ve heard about the impact that air conditioners have on fuel economy is true. Ideally, you should drive with your air conditioning off and your windows closed. If you need air, your windows are a much more economical choice.
Remember Defensive Driving not only can save fuel...it can also save lives...!!!
Some of these tips have also come from ecomodder.com - but the disclaimer with this website is that they do some fairly frightening techniques to save fuel...I believe in safety first and only recommend the tips as outlined below...!!!
1. Clean junk from your trunk
The additional weight you carry in your vehicle doesn't ride for free. It takes energy to move it around. Removing unnecessary stuff from your vehicle saves fuel.
2. Remove unused roof racks
If your vehicle come with a roof rack and you don't use it, remove it. Same holds true for bike racks. Doing so will reduce aerodynamic drag, resulting in better fuel economy.
3. Check tire inflation regularly
Make sure that your tire pressures are, at minimum, set to manufacturer specifications. The higher the pressure, the less rolling resistance.Remember that pressure is affected by ambient temperature. As temperature drops, so does your tire pressure, so keep track as the seasons change.
4. Track your fuel consumption
One of the first steps in improving efficiency is tracking fuel consumption. Get in the habit of saving all your fuel receipts, recording distance travelled and fuel economy (MPG). Keep a small notebook to record trip type and new techniques employed to monitor your progress.While the slower pace of tank-to-tank feedback isn't ideal for feedback on driving technique, recording and montoring your "big picture" progress is great motivation. See the Ecomodder Blog for more information on tracking fuel consumption. (They recommend the scanguage - which I have seen in action myself...it is a really great device to help you keep track of your driving consumption and also habits regarding fuel consumption)
5. Take the road less traveled
Generally speaking, if you have the option of choosing lightly traveled roads over busier ones, you give yourself more flexibility to employ a wider range of fuel saving techniques than if you are surrounded by other vehicles.You may even find that a somewhat longer, lightly traveled route may result in lower overall amount of fuel used than the shorter, busier route.
6. Leave early and don't rush
The enemy of efficient driving is finding yourself in a rush. Leave for your destination a little early so you don't feel pressure to drive faster, brake later and otherwise fall back into bad habits.Driving efficiently can be much more relaxing than the typical person's driving style, but you need to allow a bit of extra time.
7. Crosswind barrier
Headwinds aren't the only winds that increase fuel consumption - cross winds can have a large negative effect as well. In crosswind conditions, choosing a route with a barrier (trees or buildings) along the edge will save fuel compared to a road in the open. - this may or may not be possible but it is something to think about...!!!
8. The 'corridor effect'
All else being equal, traveling at a constant speed on a freeway within a flow of traffic (in the same direction) is more efficient than going the same speed in isolation. The reason is aerodynamic: a flow of traffic generates a localized wind current in the direction of travel. You will benefit from this artificial breeze. (Keep space for safety - you can still obtain the 'corridor effect' while maintaining a safe driving distance between vehicles - safety must always be the first priority)
9. Avoid drive-thrus
Avoid drive thru windows. They lead to excessive idling.
10. Lane of least resistance
In multi-lane traffic, choose the "lane of least resistance" to avoid unnecessary and unpredictable braking/changes in speed. EG. avoid lanes where buses are starting and stopping, or cars may be braking unpredictably to turn into driveways/parking lot entrances. (This is not only a good fuel efficient idea...it is a great defensive driving technique)
11. Combine errands
Avoid very short trips. If you have multiple stops, plan them to do all on the same trip. Fuel economy is enhanced once the engine is warmed up, so a longer "chain" of errands will result in better fuel economy than multiple short ones, particularly in cold weather.
12. Avoid Air Conditioning
Avoid using your air conditioner at all costs. Everything you’ve heard about the impact that air conditioners have on fuel economy is true. Ideally, you should drive with your air conditioning off and your windows closed. If you need air, your windows are a much more economical choice.
Remember Defensive Driving not only can save fuel...it can also save lives...!!!
Keeping Space
One of the best defensive driving techniques that any individual driver has complete control of the entire time they are on the road way is...??? It is controlling of the space in front of the vehicle...!!! Keeping space in front of the vehicle also gives the driver control behind the vehicle.
The other evening, when I was out to dinner with some girlfriends, a lively discussion ensued about how frustrating my girlfriend found it when people left too much space at intersections controlled by traffic lights. She felt that by leaving too much space the driver in front of her was not tripping the traffic light to change. I explained that the proper proceedure for keeping space at a controlled intersection was as follows:
1. When first in line at a controlled intersection it is recommended that drivers leave several car lengths in front of their vehicle, to avoid a rear crash...
2. While waiting for the light to change to green keep checking the rearview mirror watching for vehicles approaching from behind...
3. When a vehicle approaches from behind the driver should slowly move forward still keeping space in front of the vehicle as a place to move into should a second vehicle from behind not stop...
4. Keep watching and moving slowly forward until the light finally changes colour and the driver can proceed forward safely.
This process can also be followed if you are not the first driver in line at a controlled intersection.
Keeping space in front of the vehicle allows drivers to maintain control at all times. It is the drivers responsibility to pay attention to all vehicles and space or lack thereof all around the vehicle.
After I explained the technique and the rationale behind keeping space back from an intersection to control the space behind you and therefore creating an escape route in front should vehicles behind you not stop, my girlfriend seemed to have an appreciation for this technique...but...she was stilled not thrilled by the traffic light not being tripped...!!!
Keeping space works not only for intersections, but also while driving both in the city and highway. There are different defensive driving techniques which can be accomplished by space management. But that is for another post...!!!
The other evening, when I was out to dinner with some girlfriends, a lively discussion ensued about how frustrating my girlfriend found it when people left too much space at intersections controlled by traffic lights. She felt that by leaving too much space the driver in front of her was not tripping the traffic light to change. I explained that the proper proceedure for keeping space at a controlled intersection was as follows:
1. When first in line at a controlled intersection it is recommended that drivers leave several car lengths in front of their vehicle, to avoid a rear crash...
2. While waiting for the light to change to green keep checking the rearview mirror watching for vehicles approaching from behind...
3. When a vehicle approaches from behind the driver should slowly move forward still keeping space in front of the vehicle as a place to move into should a second vehicle from behind not stop...
4. Keep watching and moving slowly forward until the light finally changes colour and the driver can proceed forward safely.
This process can also be followed if you are not the first driver in line at a controlled intersection.
Keeping space in front of the vehicle allows drivers to maintain control at all times. It is the drivers responsibility to pay attention to all vehicles and space or lack thereof all around the vehicle.
After I explained the technique and the rationale behind keeping space back from an intersection to control the space behind you and therefore creating an escape route in front should vehicles behind you not stop, my girlfriend seemed to have an appreciation for this technique...but...she was stilled not thrilled by the traffic light not being tripped...!!!
Keeping space works not only for intersections, but also while driving both in the city and highway. There are different defensive driving techniques which can be accomplished by space management. But that is for another post...!!!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Insurers, Customers Divided
An article written in the Toronto Star this past Saturday Aug 23, 2008 indicated that there was a great divide between Insurers and Customers.
The insurance industry is looking for reforms to reduce cost pressure...otherwise there is going to be an average price increase of 18% in insurance premiums in 2009.
Meanwhile, many people are already feeling like they are paying too much for car insurance, while others want to receive more for what they are already paying. Feeling the most cheated and abused are the third party victims and their families. They argue that insurance policies do not cover enough as they struggle physically and financially from vehicle collisions.
To read the whole Toronto Star article click on the link above.
Car accidents...crashes...collision...wrecks...whatever you want to call them, they are a huge problem which not only affects our daily lives...like the incident that occured yesterday closing the 400 in both directions just north of Barrie...on a busy Sunday afternoon...!!! Collisions are a problem for the victims and their recovery, plus for the insurance company which spills over into the insurance industry as a whole...so what is the solution...???
How about re-training for drivers...not only those who have had incidences...but what about as a proactive measure...??
It has never been a popular notion for people to take a re-training program - if asked most people believe they are good drivers...they believe everyone else is at fault...!!! People will take golf lessons to improve their score or they will take music lessons or lessons to learn a new language to improve their skills, but something like driving they assume a program they may or may not have taken when they were 16 would be good enough to last them a lifetime...hmmm...that doesn't make a lot of sense...now if we somehow matched an improvement program with a reduction in insurance rates, it will not only motivate drivers to take the much needed re-training that we all need...but it might actually reduce the amount of incidences on our road ways...???
The insurance industry is looking for reforms to reduce cost pressure...otherwise there is going to be an average price increase of 18% in insurance premiums in 2009.
Meanwhile, many people are already feeling like they are paying too much for car insurance, while others want to receive more for what they are already paying. Feeling the most cheated and abused are the third party victims and their families. They argue that insurance policies do not cover enough as they struggle physically and financially from vehicle collisions.
To read the whole Toronto Star article click on the link above.
Car accidents...crashes...collision...wrecks...whatever you want to call them, they are a huge problem which not only affects our daily lives...like the incident that occured yesterday closing the 400 in both directions just north of Barrie...on a busy Sunday afternoon...!!! Collisions are a problem for the victims and their recovery, plus for the insurance company which spills over into the insurance industry as a whole...so what is the solution...???
How about re-training for drivers...not only those who have had incidences...but what about as a proactive measure...??
It has never been a popular notion for people to take a re-training program - if asked most people believe they are good drivers...they believe everyone else is at fault...!!! People will take golf lessons to improve their score or they will take music lessons or lessons to learn a new language to improve their skills, but something like driving they assume a program they may or may not have taken when they were 16 would be good enough to last them a lifetime...hmmm...that doesn't make a lot of sense...now if we somehow matched an improvement program with a reduction in insurance rates, it will not only motivate drivers to take the much needed re-training that we all need...but it might actually reduce the amount of incidences on our road ways...???
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Getting a Learner's Licence
When you were 15 approaching 16...all you could think about was getting your learner's permit...to be able to get behind the wheel of your parents car to experience the joys of driving...!!! Today I dare say that anything has changed...15 year olds are still anxious to be a New Driver...!!!
Ever province has a Driver's Handbook specific to that provinces driving rules, regulations and laws. So the first step in getting a Learner's permit is to get a hold of that Driver's Handbook to read and review. Everything you need to prepare you for the Government test is contained in those Handbooks.
We recommend that you go to a really well designed website called Learnersprep.com
Learnersprep has taken each provincial Driver's Handbook and have created quizzes similar to what you will find when you write the Government test for your Learner's permit.
The quizzes cover a variety of topics found in the Driver's Handbook and mimic how the Government writes their tests.
Learnersprep has created a special page referral system for all incorrectly answered questions. For every question you have answered incorrectly - when you get to the end of your quiz you will be shown the questions that you have answered incorrectly and beside those will be a page number - which sends you back to the provincial handbook to review the material that you have answered incorrectly!
It is a fun and interactive way to learn the material you need to know to pass the written Government Test!
Some Tips...
1. You are going to have to know and be able to answer distance questions - how far to park away from a fire hydrant...how far to stop behind a school bus when the signals are flashing...!!!
2. You are going to have to know all about stopping positions - stop signs: with and without stop lines, cross walks and no markings...stop lights: with and without stop lines, cross walks and no markings....!!!
3. You are going to have to know and be able to answer any and all road signs and road marking questions...!!!
4. You are going to have to know and be able to answer a lot of Right-of-Way questions...!!!
5. You are going to have to know and be able to answer questions about graduated licensing and demerit points...!!!
Check out Learnersprep.com to help you "Prepare to Pass"
Ever province has a Driver's Handbook specific to that provinces driving rules, regulations and laws. So the first step in getting a Learner's permit is to get a hold of that Driver's Handbook to read and review. Everything you need to prepare you for the Government test is contained in those Handbooks.
We recommend that you go to a really well designed website called Learnersprep.com
Learnersprep has taken each provincial Driver's Handbook and have created quizzes similar to what you will find when you write the Government test for your Learner's permit.
The quizzes cover a variety of topics found in the Driver's Handbook and mimic how the Government writes their tests.
Learnersprep has created a special page referral system for all incorrectly answered questions. For every question you have answered incorrectly - when you get to the end of your quiz you will be shown the questions that you have answered incorrectly and beside those will be a page number - which sends you back to the provincial handbook to review the material that you have answered incorrectly!
It is a fun and interactive way to learn the material you need to know to pass the written Government Test!
Some Tips...
1. You are going to have to know and be able to answer distance questions - how far to park away from a fire hydrant...how far to stop behind a school bus when the signals are flashing...!!!
2. You are going to have to know all about stopping positions - stop signs: with and without stop lines, cross walks and no markings...stop lights: with and without stop lines, cross walks and no markings....!!!
3. You are going to have to know and be able to answer any and all road signs and road marking questions...!!!
4. You are going to have to know and be able to answer a lot of Right-of-Way questions...!!!
5. You are going to have to know and be able to answer questions about graduated licensing and demerit points...!!!
Check out Learnersprep.com to help you "Prepare to Pass"
Thursday, August 14, 2008
A Few Tips for Parents to Keep Young & New Drivers Safe
There was an article in the Hamilton Spectator Thursday March 22, 2007 that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
The article indicated that a survey was conducted by The Allstate Foundation in the US which shows that while parents know that car crashes caused by teenaged drivers are the leading causes of crashes, the survey found that while parents agree they must play a significant role in preparing their teens to drive, many still delay safe driving conversations, allow their teens to drive or ride in dangerous conditions and model unsafe behaviour behind the wheel.
The survey encompassed more than 1000 parents of teenagers aged 15 to 17.
According to the survey, nearly 50% of parents polled think crashes involving teens result from drunk drivers; in reality, the majority are caused by driver error, speeding and driving with distractions.
The Allstate foundation suggests the following:
The article indicated that a survey was conducted by The Allstate Foundation in the US which shows that while parents know that car crashes caused by teenaged drivers are the leading causes of crashes, the survey found that while parents agree they must play a significant role in preparing their teens to drive, many still delay safe driving conversations, allow their teens to drive or ride in dangerous conditions and model unsafe behaviour behind the wheel.
The survey encompassed more than 1000 parents of teenagers aged 15 to 17.
According to the survey, nearly 50% of parents polled think crashes involving teens result from drunk drivers; in reality, the majority are caused by driver error, speeding and driving with distractions.
The Allstate foundation suggests the following:
- Talk with your child early and often: The survey shows most parents do not talk to their teens about safe driving until a year or less before their teens receive a permit to drive. This is long after the teens' attitudes toward driving have developed. When their children are 12 or younger, 77% of parents discuss the dangers of smoking, 72% discuss drugs and 70% discuss peer pressure but only 27% discuss safe driving!
- Shake the "not my teen" syndrome: The survey finds that while two-thirds of parents polled think teens in general are bad drivers, 88% trust their own children to drive safely, and 55% believe that if their teen were in a crash, it would be someone else's fault.
- Restrict dangerous driving situations: 90% of respondents permit their teens to drive after dark, even though they are twice as likely to crash at night as during the day; 77% allow their teens to drive with friends, even though the chances of crashing increase in proportion to the number of teen passengers in a car; and 69% allow their teens to drive in bad weather.
- Practice what you preach: While 99% of parents polled say it is helpful for their teens to see good driving behaviour from them, 71% of the parents have talked on a cellphone while driving with their teens in the car; 62% have operated a radio, MP3 player, game or other device while driving; and more than a quarter have broken a law, such as running a red light or stop sign, with their teens in the car.
A good foundation for any life skill begins as usual at HOME - a good Driver Training Program is an essential first step which must be followed up with Parental Involvement!! Start Early and Talk Often...!!!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Ministry of Transportation in Ontario
Well Today was the day for our New Classroom to be inspected in Burlington, Ontario. When we decided to make the switch from our former franchised program to DriveWise and knew that the DriveWise Safe Start program included Simulation Training, we looked at our facility in Burlington and knew there was no way we could squeeze in a simulator large or small...!!! We had managed to get 24 students squeezed into that classroom but it was tight. Luckly a dog groomer below us decided to move out and we took over their vacant spot. Tim and our friend John Ziemba spent many hours gutting the space and re-building the site to be useable as a classroom facility and this included building in steel double doors to get the simulator in and out of. We put all the finishing touches on the space over the August long weekend and today was the day for the MTO Inspection/Audit. We had a lot of stuff to prepare prior to the Auditors arrival, wanting to ensure that all of our documentation was ready for him to inspect. Plus we had to ensure that our vehicles and instructors came in to have their vehicles inspected as well. We had a lot of nervous anticipation last night as I suppose anyone awaiting an audit would. Inspector Fred came into the facility and took some pictures and even had a go on the simulator. He tried the Classroom Performance System, inspected the instructors, inspected all of our paperwork and took a lot of pictures. At the end of our inspection he said we ran a really good tight business!!
When you run your own business and you put a lot of care and attention into every detail, it is great to have someone notice your effort. It is even better when it is a regulating body like a Government Inspector.
The driver training industry in general, widely ranges in degrees of professionalism within the schools or facilities themselves. You have the big franchised schools where you are more or less assured of some quality standards but even within those organizations the school owners themselves can fall short of the mark, if the franchisors aren't keeping a close eye. Then you have the independent schools who are only regulated and governed by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), these small schools if run properly, following all of the guidlines as outlined by the MTO, will find the economics of delivering the program very challenging unless they are pricing their program in the range of $700.00 as a course fee. Let's do the Math...
An MTO approved course priced at $500.00 or lower will find the following constraints...
The course includes 10 hours in-car training time - 500.00 divided by 10 hours is $50.00 per hour wow great wage...now we have to account for a car payment/repairs/gas and let's not forget insurance (part of being involved with a large group means lower insurance costs) - now we need someone to answer the phone to schedule all of those lessons, oh ya and keep all of the paperwork in order and fill out the certificate and pay the MTO certification fee. Now the school will need to pay rent for a permenant facility as that is also part of the MTO guidelines. You will probably need to have a little money to advertise the program and finally let's not forget we need to deduct the cost of providing 25 hours of classroom time as part of the program.
So what do we end up with...???
If you are purchasing a Driver Training program for under $500.00 - if the school is providing everything they are suppose as guided by the MTO - then the person delivering the in-car portion of the program is probably making less money per hour then someone who is only making minimum wage...!!!!
Think about this...when you are learning how to drive you are learning a LIFE SKILL...a skill that will not only stay with you for life...but which will also one day SAVE YOUR LIFE...If you make something like Driver's Education CHEAP...aren't you valuing your life at that same level...???
Some of the new measures, checks and balances that are being put in place by the MTO are necessary steps in achieving some conformity within the driver training industry. Although I was not thrilled to have to scramble to get all of my paperwork together to be inspected again in less then a years time since my last inspection, I was happy to see how thoroughly they looked over all of our documents and made sure that we were and continue to be in compliance with and living up to their standards.
Great job today DriveWise Burlington team...you did us proud...!!!
When you run your own business and you put a lot of care and attention into every detail, it is great to have someone notice your effort. It is even better when it is a regulating body like a Government Inspector.
The driver training industry in general, widely ranges in degrees of professionalism within the schools or facilities themselves. You have the big franchised schools where you are more or less assured of some quality standards but even within those organizations the school owners themselves can fall short of the mark, if the franchisors aren't keeping a close eye. Then you have the independent schools who are only regulated and governed by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), these small schools if run properly, following all of the guidlines as outlined by the MTO, will find the economics of delivering the program very challenging unless they are pricing their program in the range of $700.00 as a course fee. Let's do the Math...
An MTO approved course priced at $500.00 or lower will find the following constraints...
The course includes 10 hours in-car training time - 500.00 divided by 10 hours is $50.00 per hour wow great wage...now we have to account for a car payment/repairs/gas and let's not forget insurance (part of being involved with a large group means lower insurance costs) - now we need someone to answer the phone to schedule all of those lessons, oh ya and keep all of the paperwork in order and fill out the certificate and pay the MTO certification fee. Now the school will need to pay rent for a permenant facility as that is also part of the MTO guidelines. You will probably need to have a little money to advertise the program and finally let's not forget we need to deduct the cost of providing 25 hours of classroom time as part of the program.
So what do we end up with...???
If you are purchasing a Driver Training program for under $500.00 - if the school is providing everything they are suppose as guided by the MTO - then the person delivering the in-car portion of the program is probably making less money per hour then someone who is only making minimum wage...!!!!
Think about this...when you are learning how to drive you are learning a LIFE SKILL...a skill that will not only stay with you for life...but which will also one day SAVE YOUR LIFE...If you make something like Driver's Education CHEAP...aren't you valuing your life at that same level...???
Some of the new measures, checks and balances that are being put in place by the MTO are necessary steps in achieving some conformity within the driver training industry. Although I was not thrilled to have to scramble to get all of my paperwork together to be inspected again in less then a years time since my last inspection, I was happy to see how thoroughly they looked over all of our documents and made sure that we were and continue to be in compliance with and living up to their standards.
Great job today DriveWise Burlington team...you did us proud...!!!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
What is a Blended Learning Environment?
A Blended Learning Environment is an environment which incorporates different learning methodologies into one training program to account for each individuals different style of learning retention. All people are not created equal...I'm sure we all know that...!!! What makes us different & unique can pose as a challenge in a classroom setting. Some people by watching, some learn by hearing information, while others learn by a combination of the two plus hands on doing. So when you create a training program and you want it to be effective you must have an combination of all of those elements.
One amazing new piece of technology that has been incorporated into the DriveWise program allowing us to achieve maximum learning retention for all students is called the Classroom Performance System (CPS units). The CPS unit looks like a TV channel changer or clicker, each one is numbered and given to each student on their first day of class. The CPS unit is similar to the devices used on the TV show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire". When Regis Philbin asks the contestant if they want to poll the audience and the audience bends down picks up a device which they all vote into and then there is a graph that appears instatly showing the results of the vote. The CPS units do the same thing. The students are taught a lesson and right away after the lesson is complete the instructor gives them a quiz. The students use their clicker to select which answer to the quiz they feel is correct. The instructor will get instanteous results for the class as a whole and also for each individual. The student gets instanteous feedback to know if their answers are correct or not. The student will know if they need to get extra help on the material being taught and the instructor will know if he didn't get his material across to the group as a whole or perhaps that a few are not grasping the concepts being presented. Another benefit of the CPS units is that all students participate in-class...shy students will often not raise a hand to answer a question, fearing to speak publically or perhaps fear of giving a wrong answer...!?! The CPS units allow everyone to answer anonomously and as such everyone participates willingly
Once the students have been taught the lesson and then tested on the material, then a third element of the blended learning environment is introduced when the students get some practical hands-on experience when driving in the simulator. Once they have successfully completed the in-class portion of the program all students will then go out 1-on-1 in-car with a licenced driving instructor to practice all of the concepts presented in-class on the real road.
Defensive Driving & Safe Driving Techniques are Essential Life Skills. At DriveWise we want to ensure that all students are prepared for the challenging roadways ahead of them and we feel strongly that the best way to achieve this is through a Blended Learning Environment - which combines traditional teaching methods with practicle reinforcement to achieve the highest level of learning retention possible.
Click on this link to view a video about our Safe Start Beginner Driver Education Training Program http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFNCVG7Q1zA
One amazing new piece of technology that has been incorporated into the DriveWise program allowing us to achieve maximum learning retention for all students is called the Classroom Performance System (CPS units). The CPS unit looks like a TV channel changer or clicker, each one is numbered and given to each student on their first day of class. The CPS unit is similar to the devices used on the TV show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire". When Regis Philbin asks the contestant if they want to poll the audience and the audience bends down picks up a device which they all vote into and then there is a graph that appears instatly showing the results of the vote. The CPS units do the same thing. The students are taught a lesson and right away after the lesson is complete the instructor gives them a quiz. The students use their clicker to select which answer to the quiz they feel is correct. The instructor will get instanteous results for the class as a whole and also for each individual. The student gets instanteous feedback to know if their answers are correct or not. The student will know if they need to get extra help on the material being taught and the instructor will know if he didn't get his material across to the group as a whole or perhaps that a few are not grasping the concepts being presented. Another benefit of the CPS units is that all students participate in-class...shy students will often not raise a hand to answer a question, fearing to speak publically or perhaps fear of giving a wrong answer...!?! The CPS units allow everyone to answer anonomously and as such everyone participates willingly
Once the students have been taught the lesson and then tested on the material, then a third element of the blended learning environment is introduced when the students get some practical hands-on experience when driving in the simulator. Once they have successfully completed the in-class portion of the program all students will then go out 1-on-1 in-car with a licenced driving instructor to practice all of the concepts presented in-class on the real road.
Defensive Driving & Safe Driving Techniques are Essential Life Skills. At DriveWise we want to ensure that all students are prepared for the challenging roadways ahead of them and we feel strongly that the best way to achieve this is through a Blended Learning Environment - which combines traditional teaching methods with practicle reinforcement to achieve the highest level of learning retention possible.
Click on this link to view a video about our Safe Start Beginner Driver Education Training Program http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFNCVG7Q1zA
For Every Ending There Is A New Beginning
With a Passion for Road Safety and Road Safety Education our family has been in the business of training new drivers and re-training drivers young and old alike for the past 20 years. Up until May 20th, 2008 our company had been operating as a franchisee with the premium branded driver training school in Canada. Simultaneously, 25 training centre from across Canada, who had alsobeen of that franchise, ventured out from that brand name and branded program, taking their knowledge, experience and expertise to start again with a new, exciting and highly innovative state-of-the-art program. After 20 years having a well known name and good program wasn't good enough for us anymore. Our commitment was to our customer which we viewed from a new perspective, as our own children were now approaching driving age. As parents, we wanted something more for our children and we figured if we wanted more then our customers probably wanted more also.
We have seen the change in the way people learn. Young people require learning to be highly interactive in order to retain the materials being taught to them! That is why we were proud to partner with DriveWise Canada. DriveWise Canada has taken driver training to a whole new high-tech level by incorporating state-of-the-art virtual reality simulation training into the classroom component of the program.
Simulation Training has been used as an effective training tool in the aerospace industry for years. Pilots train on flight simulators long before they fly an actual aircraft. Simulation Training for the wheeled transportation industry seemed like a logical next step. The key to Simulation Training lies with having an expert in the field and that is why this new program is destined to succeed. Lesley de Repentigny and her partner/husband Martin de Repentigny are experts in training development and deployment both having come from a Military background. They understand how simulation works and how it can and should be incorporated into a training plan. They have put together programs for many Municipal Fire, Police and EMS Services across Canada, as well as creating programs for the Canadian Forces. DriveWise has recently been awarded a spot in a research study being done by Transport Canada to look at the effect sleep or lack of sleep has on Truck Drivers. DriveWise Canada is a force to be reckoned with in the Driver Training Industry, teaming training experts with a large group of training centres who are experts in the their markets for deploying a good training program. DriveWise is a Canadian success story...watch how it unfolds...!!!
Click on the link to watch a brief video about DriveWise Canada http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDzptF0ImHo
We have seen the change in the way people learn. Young people require learning to be highly interactive in order to retain the materials being taught to them! That is why we were proud to partner with DriveWise Canada. DriveWise Canada has taken driver training to a whole new high-tech level by incorporating state-of-the-art virtual reality simulation training into the classroom component of the program.
Simulation Training has been used as an effective training tool in the aerospace industry for years. Pilots train on flight simulators long before they fly an actual aircraft. Simulation Training for the wheeled transportation industry seemed like a logical next step. The key to Simulation Training lies with having an expert in the field and that is why this new program is destined to succeed. Lesley de Repentigny and her partner/husband Martin de Repentigny are experts in training development and deployment both having come from a Military background. They understand how simulation works and how it can and should be incorporated into a training plan. They have put together programs for many Municipal Fire, Police and EMS Services across Canada, as well as creating programs for the Canadian Forces. DriveWise has recently been awarded a spot in a research study being done by Transport Canada to look at the effect sleep or lack of sleep has on Truck Drivers. DriveWise Canada is a force to be reckoned with in the Driver Training Industry, teaming training experts with a large group of training centres who are experts in the their markets for deploying a good training program. DriveWise is a Canadian success story...watch how it unfolds...!!!
Click on the link to watch a brief video about DriveWise Canada http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDzptF0ImHo
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