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...!!!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
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...!!!
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