The Driver Magazine May 2009

2009 AJAC AWARD

WINNERS

The Volvo XC70 – Ready for adventure Riding the Autobahn – an awesome experience The season of potholes is upon us

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Award Winners

pg. 8

Driver News & Features 5 Morris leads industry council – among other things Justin Pritchard

Sereen Hindawi (Health)

Driver Garage

26 New coating can heal paint scratches like magic

6 Performance World had something for everyone

Grant Cameron (Paint & Decal)

7 For Sale – 13,000 U-Haul Trucks

Scott Marshall (Security Systems)

Eva C. John

Grant Cameron

13 Proposal to lower limit for drunk driving stirs debate

Grant Cameron

27 Some sound advice on car alarms

Driver Education 28 Buying a used car

Mohammad Shahzad (General)

Driver Reviews

30 Putting the brakes on road rage

14 Volvo XC70 – jacked–up wagon

Megan Pasche (General)

18 Proper protective clothing for two-wheeling

Sam Adewale (Driver Skills & Schools)

Justin Pritchard (Car & Truck Review)

Glen Konorowski (Product Review)

Driver Lifestyle

32 Driving with a suspended licence can be costly

David Anber (Legal Edge)

33 Fault and contributory negligence explained

20 Traveling the Autobahn

Lawrence H. Mandel (Legal Edge)

34 Help save a life - let emergency vehicles pass

Anette Mueller (Travel)

22 Gananoque offers an escape

Scott Marshall (Driver Skills & Schools)

Anya Wassenberg (Travel)

Last Page

23 Protecting your peepers

Laura Ashdown (Style)

31 Parallel parking – unraveling the mystery

24 Maximize your comfort, minimize your pain

35 Spring brings warmer weather and potholes Justin Pritchard

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER STORY / AJAC Announces 2009

By Grant Cameron Editor-in-Chief

Founder | Publisher Sam Adewale Editor-in-Chief Grant Cameron Creative Director Geoff Mack Writers Justin Pritchard Glen Konorowski Anya Wassenberg Anette Mueller Laura Ashdown Sereen Hindawi Mohammad Shahzad Scott Marshall Megan Pasche Eva C. John David Anber Lawrence H. Mandel Sales & Marketing Corporate Client Relations: Barb Newby Partnerships & Development Cameron Kuc Photos Justin Pritchard Roy Virtue Sam Adewale Circulation Manager Oluremi Adewale

The Driver Magazine 1315 Finch Avenue West Suite 408 Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M3J 2G6 Office: 1.800.728.5771 or 1.416.398.2700 Fax: 1.416.398.3272

www.thedrivermagazine.com This last free issue of The Driver was partially powered by Flickr users under Creative Commons 2.0 attribution licence. We encourage you to visit the photostreams of the following people who made this possible at www.flickr.com: blmurch, Ian Muttoo, roland, Marcin Wichary, Phil~, epicbeer, Gary Soup.

The Driver is published six times a year by The Driver Inc. in Toronto, Canada.

The contents of this magazine are the exclusive property of The Driver Inc. and /or used with permission and /or licence, and may not be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the publisher. The publisher does not assume any liability for any advertisement or the representation and / or warranties made in said advertising.

It’s that time of year again.

No, we’re not talking about the time when potholes make their grand appearance, although I do admit there are some pretty good-sized road canyons out there this year. What I’m talking about here is more important. It’s the time of year when road construction crews spring up along the highways and byways of our great nation. To many drivers, they’re just a nuisance. We blame them for everything.

They’re the reason traffic gets backed up, the reason we arrive home late for dinner, the reason we don’t get the kids to soccer practice on time, the reason our hair doesn’t turn out properly in the morning, the reason the lawnmower won’t start … I’m sure you get the picture. The thing is, road construction crews are a necessity, and instead of scorn, they deserve our respect. The fact of the matter is that they’re out there fixing our roads and bridges to make them safe. We should give them the consideration they deserve by slowing down through highway construction sites. If you’ve ever stood at the side of a highway, with transports, cars, and trailers whipping by you at breakneck speeds, you’d understand why.

There are some very good reasons for drivers to slow down at highway construction sites.

First, too many workers and motorists are getting killed while traveling through the zones. A coalition of construction organizations estimates that 5,872 people were injured and 86 killed in 19,000 collisions at highway and road maintenance construction sites in Ontario between 1997 and 2004.

Second, the fines for speeding through construction zones when workers are present can dent your wallet significantly. A few years back, legislation was introduced that doubled the Highway Traffic Act fines for motorists caught speeding in a designated construction zone when workers are present.

So, if you’re 20 km/h over the posted speed limit in a construction zone the fine is $180. Plus three demerit points will be added to your record. A speed of 30 km/h over the posted limit will net you a fine of $420 and four demerit points, 40 km/h over the limit will result in a $560 fine and four demerit points, and, for the real speed demons, 50 km/h over the limit will result in a $975 fine and six demerit points.

And, if you’re caught disobeying a traffic control person, that could cost you $500 plus three demerit points.

The message here is obvious – slow down in highway construction workzones. It will save you money and protect lives.

DRIVER NEWS & FEATURES

Morris leads industry council among other things ...

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By Justin Pritchard

unning a busy Hyundai dealership in Sudbury just wasn’t enough for Meredith Morris.

On top of her day-to-day duties at the helm of one of the busiest dealerships in the city, she is president of the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) for a one-year term.

The council was formed in 1997 to administer the Ontario Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, which sets guidelines and standards that all registered dealers and salespeople must abide by.

In addition to enforcement and mediation, the OMVIC maintains a fund to compensate consumers who suffer a financial loss arising from a transaction with a registered motor vehicle dealer.

During her term, Morris will set priorities for the council and ensure employees have the necessary resources to successfully implement the new Motor Vehicle Dealers Act. The OMVIC offices are in Toronto, so it requires extensive traveling for Morris – something that puts a great deal of stress on her schedule.

“My day-timer is like a bible to me,” she said.

“I schedule every appointment down to the minute.

“While I am in the Sudbury office I give myself a daily list of tasks, and if the list is not done by day’s end then I don’t make it home for supper.”

Morris joined the OMVIC in 2004, after becoming interested in the council’s goals of protecting consumers. Construction had finished at Sudbury Hyundai’s new location, so Morris used a little free time to learn about the council.

“I’m a huge advocate of consumer protection,” she said. “I hear from consumers way too often that they have had a bad experience when purchasing a vehicle and I thought if I got involved that it may help to change the face of the industry.

“Time and time again consumers say the same thing about the car buying experience – they simply want more honesty and less pressure.”

In addition to consumer protection, the OMVIC has programs to educate car shoppers and help them make wise decisions. For example, the council now provides a DVD called ‘Know Your Ride’ for use in high school classrooms, to teach about the potential dangers of buying a car privately.

Buying a car from a private seller puts shoppers outside of the protection of the OMVIC compensation fund, and may expose them to ‘curbsiders’ – a type of vehicle scam artist.

“Curbsiders are an ongoing issue that we face,” said Morris. “These are imposters who pose as private individuals, but are actually in the business of selling stolen, rebuilt or odometer-tampered vehicles.

They’re fraud artists selling damaged or defective cars to unsuspecting consumers.”

When Morris isn’t tending to her business or working on OMVIC affairs, she has plenty of other matters to keep her busy.

She was elected as the representative for Ontario to the Hyundai Auto Canada national dealer advisory council. It’s a prestigious post. The council has members in each province to ensure communication between a body of 176 dealers and management of Hyundai Canada.

Morris, a savvy businesswoman, is looking forward to applying her vast auto industry experience towards making a positive difference in a previously male dominated industry.

Performance World had

something for everyone

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DRIVER NEWS & FEATURES

By Eva C. John

he Performance World Custom Car and Truck Show was held March 13-15 at the International Centre on Airport Road in Toronto. The show was basically a massive display of love for the automobile and had something for everyone.

Television personality Mike Holmes of Holmes on Holmes fame was at the event with two of his Ford vehicles.

Tony Di Santo’s team from Florida Garage received two awards, including one for the meticulous and graceful restoration of a 1951 Buick.

Project Gotham – an SUV conceived and executed by Jeff Gould and Reuben Barkin – was a must-see. Gould and Barkin created the vehicle as a tribute to the Batman mythology. They spent more than two years designing, installing and re-working the SUV with 110 TV screens.

The show featured some of the most talented restoration artists in the country.

FOR SALE 13,000 U-Haul trucks

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By Grant Cameron

n the market for a used truck? How about 13,000 of them?

That’s how many rental vehicles U-Haul has up for sale in the U.S. The company has introduced a new fleet of moving vans, which has resulted in thousands of off-rental vehicles being put on the block. The company is targeting small business owners who are looking for a vehicle that is reliable, affordable and ready to go to work.

“The trucks that once moved America are now out of the rental market and are available to create value for businesses in need of carpeting trucks, roofing trucks and landscaping trucks - just about any aftermarket use you’d care to name,” said Brian O’Loughlin, director of U-Haul fleet sales.

The vehicles are being sold on a first-come, firstserved basis.

“These moving vans represent a solid value,” said O’Loughlin. “U-Haul trucks feature lightweight, rust-resistant van bodies and were designed to securely hold and transport precious cargo.”

The vehicles are all low-mileage cargo trucks and feature low decks for easier loading and unloading.

Moreover, every U-Haul truck features a gentleride suspension, which is important to business owners who want to protect their goods while in transit.

“When you buy a truck from U-Haul it’s ready to go to work for you that day,” O’Loughlin said.

“You simply can’t buy a better truck for the money.”

He noted that the large size of the U-Haul fleet virtually assures that any customer in the market for a good off-rental truck can find the right one to suit their needs.

“For-sale trucks are regularly displayed at more than 2,000 local U-Haul truck sales locations nationwide, so you can see exactly what you’re getting,” said O’Loughlin.

To find a location where the trucks are being sold, call 866-404-0355, or go to www.uhaul.com.

U-Haul has more than 15,650 locations across Canada and the U.S. The company has a fleet of 96,000 trucks, 75,000 trailers and 35,000 towing devices. It also has more than 34 million square feet of storage space at more than 1,075 facilities throughout North America.

Grant Cameron is Editor-in-Chief of The Driver.

S 2009 9 R E N N I W AWARD

S E C N U O N N A AJAC .....

DRIVER NEWS & FEATURES

The envelope please

T

By Justin Pritchard

he Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) has announced its Canadian Car of the Year Awards for 2009. y at the The winners were named in February Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.

The winners were: rer won For the first time, a Korean manufacturer he Year the coveted AJAC Canadian Car of the award. he panHyundai’s Genesis Sedan impressed the el of judges with its affordable luxury, performance and technology offerings. The Genesis is available with Hyundai’s first-ever V-8 engine and a slew of advanced features typical in higher-end models.

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“This is a luxury car without a luxury price,” les and said John Vernile, vice-president of sales a Corp. marketing at Hyundai Auto Canada o dem“With the 2009 Genesis, we wanted to e qualonstrate that Hyundai can offer all the hicle, all ity that consumers demand from a vehicle, e power the equipment they deserve, and all the they could want.” ar-guidFeatures on the vehicle include radar-guide lighted cruise control, adaptive steerable ation, a ing, heated and cooled seats, navigation, Lexicon audio system and intelligent key acble with cess. The cavernous interior is available rument a leather dashboard and ice-blue instrument lighting. el’s enDepending on the selection of the model’s es from gine and feature options, pricing ranges $38,000 to $48,000.

2009 HYUNDAI G

“This is a luxury car w

GENESIS SEDAN without a luxury price”

Steph e Canad n Kelleher, p a best n Corp., wit resident an h e d Auto S w car of th the Genes CEO of H is yu how in e Toron year at the Sedan, nam ndai Auto to. e Canad ian In d AJAC’s ternati onal

DRIVER NEWS & FEATURES

Utility Vehicle Ford Flex of the Year

On the crossover SUV front, it was the distinctive style, proven safety and top-notch flexibility of the Ford Flex that garnered it the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year award.

A retro-box style and available contrasting paint job ensure Flex winds up recognized instantly in a sea of crossover look-alikes. Features include a refrigerated second-row centre console, capless fuel system and Ford’s Vista Roof - which allows all occupants to take in the sunshine.

Programmable ambient lighting and a personal harddrive jukebox with room for 23,000 songs can be added, and Flex will house Ford’s second-generation keypad access system, navigation, a backup-camera and ‘sync’ communication interface.

Best New Design

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Honda’s Fit

This vehicle looks diminutive next to the Flex, but it won the Best New Vehicle Design award.

Engineers managed to cram Honda’s compact with a surprising 2,572 litres of interior volume and 1,622 litres of cargo space.

Seats flip and fold as needed to accommodate various items.

There’s a storage bin under the rear seat on the driver’s side, which provides a secure place to store smaller items if needed.

“We thank the AJAC members for this design award,” said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice-president of Honda Canada Inc. “We built the Fit to meet the needs of our customers, and their response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“The Fit combines a sleek, aerodynamic design for enhanced fuel efficiency with a roomy interior for excellent passenger and cargo space, proving that great style and value are not mutually exclusive attributes.”

AWARD WINNERS/ 09

continued...........

Best New Mitsubishi Lancer Technology

From the high-performance side of the spectrum, Mitsubishi’s Super All Wheel Control (SAWC) system received the Best New Technology award.

Comprised of a network of systems, SAWC seamlessly delivers engine power, braking effort and electronic stabilization to each wheel on an individual basis. Intended to put world-class performance and enjoyment into the hands of any driver in any weather, SAWC is available on the track-ready Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution line-up. True to its rally car heritage, the SAWC system allows drivers to select predefined snow, tarmac or gravel modes at the press of a button.

“Mitsubishi is a company driven to practical engineering solutions, solutions that have a direct consumer benefit,” said Koji Soga, president and CEO, Mitsubishi Motors Sales of Canada. “The Super All Wheel Control system used on the Lancer Evolution is a perfect example.”

For more information on the award-winning vehicles of 2009,check out the AJAC website at http://www.ajac. ca.

Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.

12 12 DRIVER NEWS & FEATURES

Proposal to lower

legal limit for

drunk driving stirs debate

By Grant Cameron

D

ebate is raging once again as to whether the legal blood alcohol level for drivers should be lowered in Canada.

A proposal under consideration by the House of Commons justice committee would lower the legal limit – currently 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood – to 50 milligrams. If the proposal is approved, drivers caught with a blood alcohol count (BAC) of .05 could be charged criminally.

The idea was revived in March when the justice committee began holding hearings on the issue. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) believes the present limit is too high, however, a number of safety groups oppose any change, saying it would merely overburden the courts. The Canada Safety Council (CSC), for example, argues that the present law is adequate and should be left as it is. “Public safety is best served by dealing with drivers whose blood alcohol is below 80 outside the Criminal Code,” Emile Therien, past president of the CSC, said in a submission. “Criminalizing at 50 will compromise Canada’s fight against impaired driving.” A recent CSC survey of crown prosecutors and defence counsels found impaired driving cases are taking longer to process and that convictions can take up to a year or more. Therien said delays would escalate if criminal charges were laid below the current level because people are more inclined to challenge the charges due to the severe consequences of a conviction. He said provinces and territories across Canada are strengthening their measures to deal with drinking drivers below the current criminal limit, and they are proving to be effective. Ontario, for example, is adding administrative licence suspensions to the record of a driver caught at .05 and is increasing suspensions for that from 12 hours to three days and longer. Therien said unilateral action to criminalize at a lower threshold would compromise a well thought-out, evidence-based strategy.

He said the real problem is those who drive at levels well over the legal limit, noting that Canada’s impaired driving laws are among the strictest in the western world. Most countries using a BAC below .08 do not impose penalties as tough as in Canada.

However, those arguments don’t cut it with MADD Canada.

The group believes the present legal limit is too high and conveys the message that it is safe to drink and drive unless you are obviously intoxicated. MADD wants the criminal level to be set at .05, although penalties for the offence would be less onerous than for .08.

The association maintains Canada is out of step with the rest of the world. While the legal limit in the U.S. and U.K is .08, there are many countries around the world like Australia, Germany, France and Italy where the legal limit is .05 or lower. In addition to the lower legal limit, the association wants police to be given authority to use their breathalyzers at random. MADD also wants inner-lock safety devices which prevent drunk drivers from being able to start their vehicles - made mandatory for anyone convicted of being intoxicated behind the wheel.

A brief presented to the justice committee by Robert Solomon, national director of legal policy at MADD Canada, stated that the number and percentage of impairment-related crashes has risen significantly since 1999 and Canada lags far behind other countries in reducing the role of alcohol in traffic deaths. The current .08 limit allows individuals to drive after consuming large quantities of alcohol, he said in the brief, and given the margin of error accepted by the courts, most police will not lay criminal charges unless a driver’s readings are .10 or higher.

According to the brief, a 200-pound man can drink more than six 12-ounce bottles of regular beer at five-per-cent alcohol by volume in two hours, on an empty stomach, and then drive largely immune from criminal sanctions. The brief notes that research has shown that the relative risk of crash death increases sharply beginning at BACs of .05.

Grant Cameron is Editor-in-Chief of The Driver.

DRIVER REVIEWS

Volvo XC70 Jacked-up wagon is comfortable and ready for adventure

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By Justin Pritchard

et’s say you’re looking for a premium, familyfriendly vehicle that can comfortably and safely get you, your family and your stuff around, 365 days a year. Something reasonably fun to drive and upper-scale is in order, and you don’t tow a heavy boat, so there’s no need to fuel a thirsty SUV. You might consider a premium crossover wagon - a genre that Volvo is largely responsible for putting on the map.

Volvo’s version is called the XC70, or ‘Cross Country’ and you’d be right to think it resembles a family wagon that’s dressed up to go for a hike.

Intended for an adventurous shopper, the XC70 adds aggressive tires, a lifted suspension and plastic armour appliqués over key body parts for added protection.

Beside the standard V70 on which it’s based, it looks like a hiking boot next to a sneaker.

Volvo’s intelligent all-wheel drive system with instant traction automatically splits up engine output between the front and rear wheels as it sees fit, delivering fussfree grip on almost any surface.

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Heavy but well-weighted steering allows drivers to place the wheels easily where they need to be, and when the going gets rough or sloppy, XC70 moves around as skillfully as a Swedish mountain goat.

For a lightly modified station wagon, XC70 impressed on a day-trip some 30 kilometres down a washed-out logging road over everything from rocks to mud to deep water. Even in some challenging terrain, traction never became a real issue, although the fairly low ride height did see the car occasionally scrape its belly on the turf beneath.

The traction control system can be disabled for plenty of wheel-spin should you wind up stuck, and a simple eye-hook screws into the bumper to accept a tow-rope for rescue duty if need be.

Ultimately, this is a machine with more allterrain prowess than most owners will use - though it’s not intended to be an off-road monster. As such, it doesn’t need miles of ground clearance, and the resulting ride and handling dynamic is an engaging, pleasant and enjoyable one. It feels like a sporty, solid wagon - not a big clumsy SUV. Motivation comes from a silky, 3.2-litre, 235horsepower, inline six-cylinder that fires up with the press of a button and cranks a sixspeed automatic transmission. Acceleration is adequate and the engine sound is always present, though satisfying to the ear.

The transmission shifts smoothly, matching the overall gentleness of the engine. A manual mode is available for precise gearshift control when required, and a downhill assist function keeps things under control electronically when steep grades present themselves.

Volvo XC70 The ride is a nice match for the refined drivetrain. It’s heavy and quiet - albeit there can be some suspension noise on rougher surfaces. Courtesy of Volvo’s Four-C chassis system, drivers can select a ‘sport’ setting for responsive ride, a ‘comfort’ setting for driving grandma to church, and an intelligent ‘advanced’ setting for when the kids are dropped off and a good blast through the backroads is desired. Despite what it looks like, the XC70 can be a load of fun in the corners.

Volvo’s absolutely crammed this model with protective features fitting of an automotive safety leader. A Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) warns drivers with an indicator near the side mirror if another car or motorcycle may be hiding in the blind spot. Front and rear parking radar works to the same goal of avoiding painttrading in tight quarters, and the cruise control automatically brakes as the XC approaches another car on the highway.

The same radar sensor that operates this system can even alert drivers audibly and visually if they’re about to hit something because they aren’t paying attention.

Rear seating is available with an integrated child booster-seat system, and there’s even a heartbeat monitor for the twoway vehicle remote. It detects a human heartbeat and can warn drivers that someone’s inside the car.

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All very neat stuff, but you may happily give up a few warning beepers for a 6-CD changer or navigation system.

Inside, you’ll discover one of the wagon world’s most beautiful and inviting interiors. The leather seats are creamysoft and incredibly comfortable, the colour scheme and metallic accenting looks fantastic, and the entire dash and console are sculpted and assembled with an eye for quality.

Entry and exit are simple, the cargo area feat are dotted with ures handy tie plenty of storag -downs and di e for at-hand ite For those who viders, and the ms. need more pow passenger quar er, there’s also reduced slight ters a turbo version ly to three litre available in the s, though the in XC70 T6. Engi ter-cooled turb ne size has be ocharger helps Torque is rated en boost output to at just shy of 30 28 1 ponies.

0 pounds per fo twin-scroll tech ot, and peaks nology, which from a mere 1, accepts engine and sharper ac 500 RPM. The exhaust gasses celeration, sim turbo unit uses in two stages, ilar to a twin-tur resulting in min bo engine. imized turbo-la Pricing starts at g $44,095 for th e 3.2-litre XC70 , and $51,595 for the T6.

Justin Pritchard is a Sudbury-based automotive writer and photographer.

He is also a member of the Automobile Journalists Association.

Proper protective clothing is an essential part of two-wheeling

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By Glen Konorowski

rotective gear and proper clothing are paramount when you’re riding any twoowheeled motorized vehicle. nd I’ve fallen a few times over the years and ve can tell you that wearing the right protective en clothing can make all the difference between walking away or being carried away. ed Since people have been going fast on two-wheeled e. vehicles, leather has always been the clothing of choice. on What makes leather so good is its resistance to abrasion when sliding on dirt, grass or pavement. That, and the fact act it’s wind resistant and easy to move in. But not all leather her is created equal. Any jacket worth wearing needs to be od 1.1 to 1.5 millimetres thick to give the rider any really good gn protection. Good riding jackets have a few basic design de features that are common to all of them. These include ile a tapered fit so they don’t flap about in the wind while riding. The jacket also needs tight cuffs to stop air coming up your sleeves while riding. On the front, a flap under the zipper of the jacket will stop air from entering and is a definite must in cooler temperatures.

Those of you who ride long distances and can only take one coat might like the man-made Cordura fabric. It’s very resistant to abrasion and is, for the most part, wind resistant and waterproof. The coats were originally designed for offroading, but developments in material design now make them suitable for the street as well.

Those who like the vintage look can still get the heavyduty waxed cotton (canvas-like) jackets like the Barbour and Belstaff. These old favourites are surprisingly very durable and waterproof. They’re also quite warm and offer reasonable protection.

Leather and denim are still the only real choices in pants when riding. They offer the best protection and abrasion resistance if you hit the ground.

Companies like Draggin Jeans offer Kevlar-reinforced knees and rear-end protection - making them as tough or better than leather for abrasion resistance.

Inside your boots, you might want to try Tech Sox. They provide good support for your feet, don’t bunch up, and they wick off sweat, keeping your feet comfortable and dry. They’re well worth the extra money when riding long distances. In the short time I have been testing them, they’re second to none.

When it comes to footwear, boots that go above the ankle are the best and come highly recommended. If your bike falls over, your ankle will get struck. Trust me, I know. I personally prefer hard-soled boots as they add rigid protection in the event the bike hits your foot.

Staying cool with all this gear on can pose a problem in the summer. One company that offers a solution, though, is Performance Under Gear (PUG). The company makes

Barbour jacket retails for US$ 399.00 www.barbour.com

to locate their nearest retailer.

Barbour is only currently available in a limited number of locations throughout Canada

Motorcycle BOOT socks Boot Cut - below the calf - $16.95 High Cut - above the Calf - to the knee $21.95 GOLF/SPORT socks PED - Under the Ankle “No Show”- $11.95 ANKLE - At the Ankle - $11.95 CREW - 3/4 Cuff below the calf - $12.95

www.techsox.com undergear that helps you stay cool by wicking away sweat. The firm says its gear reduces perspiration by 50 per cent. I have used the products and can say that they really do work as promised.

Those who ride in frosty weather can also get PUG’s Thermolite undergear. If the gear works like their other products, you have nothing to worry about.

Another interesting product is a Kevlar sweater from Draggin Jeans. It’s worn under your jean jacket and will offer good protection in hotter weather. One thing the Kevlar sweater doesn’t provide, though, is warmth. It is purely for protection.

Those of you who ride scooters should also be wearing protective clothing. Falling off a scooter can be just as serious as a motorcycle spill.

A friend of mine was under the false impression that you couldn’t get hurt as easily on a scooter, but he took a low-speed spill and was surprised at the injuries he suffered.

Being dressed properly will make your riding much more enjoyable and safe.

Glen Konorowski is an automotive journalist who specializes in writing about motorcycles and auto accessories.

Traveling the Autobahnan awesome experience

By Anette Mueller

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riving on the Autobahn, a friend once told me, is a lot like g. dancing. If everyone is moving right, it’s a beautiful thin As one of the world’s largest super-highway systems with a total of more than 12,000 kilometres of road, the network is the pinnacle of German driving. But it takes full concentration, even from the most experienced drivers, to navigate the often dense and fast moving traffic.

In many respects, the Autobahn looks like a typical North American freeway with two, three or four lanes in each direction. Though the overall pace is fast, not everyone is hurtling along at the speed of sound. About a third of the Autobahn has a temporary or permanent speed limit because of construction, dangerous road conditions, heavy traffic, or to reduce noise and pollution for nearby towns.

Speed limits are enforced and radar traps are frequently set up to penalize those that ignore them. Traffic fines were recently increased and driving 25 kilometres per hour (km/h) over the speed limit will cost 70 Euros, while 70 km/h over the limit can cost up to 600 Euros. The fine for running a red light can be up to 200 Euros. Unless otherwise marked, most Autobahns have no speed limit, however, 130 km/h is recommended.

It isn’t unusual to be passed by a Mercedes or a Porsche traveling at a whopping speed of 200 km/h or more. For a driver new to the Autobahn, it can be surreal to be cruising along at 160 km/h and suddenly have a car appear behind you and blink its lights for you to move. In cities and towns,

the speed limit, or Tempolimit as it’s known, is 50 km/h unless posted otherwise. Over the past decade traffic calming, or 30-Zones in residential areas, has become increasingly popular. Steep road bumps and traffic islands slow down oncoming traffic. On regular two-lane highways, the limit is 100 km/h. Cars towing trailers must keep their speeds to under 80 km/h.

The view from the Autobahn varies greatly throughout Germany, with mountains in the south and flat plains in the north. The roads are superbly designed and built, and the entire Autobahn system in Germany is maintained toll-free.

Most of the system, except for older segments, features a green median or concrete barrier. A double-sided guardrail runs down the middle. Blinders are often used on curves.

The system has more than 65 tunnels, mostly in mountainous and urban areas. All tunnels have 24-hour video surveillance systems, information radio and signs, frequent emergency rooms with phones, fire extinguishers, emergency lights and exits, and smoke ventilation systems.

To drive safely on the Autobahn, motorists should be aware that German traffic laws vary somewhat from the North American system. For starters, it is illegal to pass on the right side. Slow moving vehicles must always move to the right, and faster vehicles must pass on the left. The only exception is when traffic in both lanes is moving slower

law.

The Autobahn has an extensive system of 700 service areas open 24 hours a day. They are located every 50 to 60 kilometres and usually have a gas station, restaurant or snack bar, convenience store, telephones, and washrooms. Most of the washrooms are well maintained.

Water faucets and towel dispensers operate touch free and toilet seats are self-disinfecting. Some of the older, non-automated service areas are looked after by cleaning staff and it is common practice to tip them. Washrooms, especially at smaller rest areas, sometimes lack soap or paper towels. The larger service areas also feature hotels, showers, playgrounds, conference rooms and chapels.

Gas pumps are the same as in North America and stations are mostly self-serve.

More than 70 service areas along the Autobahn are now high-tech. To gain entry, you deposit 50 cents and get a voucher that can be used for a coffee or snack at any participating gas station.

Signage along the Autobahn is excellent and abundant.

Signs direct Autobahn, as welll as those on gns th gn tthat hatt d i ect ir ec ct you you to yo o tthe he eA utob ut bah hn, a s we w

DRIVER LIFESTYLE

than 60 km/h, which can happen during one of the frequent traffic jams. In such instances, drivers can pass on the right at a speed no more than 20 km/h faster than traffic in the left lane.

When you’re on the Autobahn, it’s also important to remember that many smaller European cars don’t have automatic daytime running lights, and headlights must be turned on during hazardous weather and at night.

Meanwhile, if there isn’t a policeman or traffic signal indicating the right-of-way, then traffic approaching from the right always has the rightof-way. Contrary to the law in most Canadian provinces, turning right on a red traffic light is not allowed and subject to a fine.

Wearing seatbelts is mandatory for the driver and passengers in the front and back. Children under 13 years of age are not allowed to sit in the front seat if the vehicle has a back seat.

To rent a car, non-Europeans must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid driver’s licence from their home province, and a major credit card. NonEuropeans are also required to hold an international driving permit, which is a simple translation of their original driver’s licence and available from the Canadian Automobile Association or the American Automobile Association. Car rental agents rarely ask for this permit, but it’s advisable to have one in case of an accident, or if one has an encounter with the

the highway, are blue with white letters.

Large overhead signs are the most common. Route numbers are typically located at the bottom of the signs rather than at the top as in North America.

Signs on the Autobahn and other roads in Europe give directions in terms of destination instead of compass points. Larger cities start appearing on signs hundreds of kilometres away.

The German Autobahn and other urban expressways increasingly have sophisticated electronic traffic control systems. These systems consist of surveillance cameras, speed monitors, as well as electronic message boards and equipment to detect and warn of fog, rain and ice.

The signs advise motorists to reduce their speed when approaching such areas.

Traffic and road conditions are also available online and on TV and radio. If you have a German rental car with a cassette or CD player, don’t be surprised if your music is interrupted by a traffic report on the radio.

Radio tuners continue to monitor the last selected radio station even when a tape or CD is being played, and German radio stations broadcast a special tone at the start of traffic reports.

Anette Mueller is a Toronto-based freelance writer who has traveled on the Autobahn.

DRIVER LIFESTYLE

GANANOQUE, ON, offers an escape from the everyday

T

By Anya Wassenberg

he stretch of Highway 401 between Toronto and Quebec might seem like a rather bland expanse of asphalt to the casual motorist.

But take the off ramp to Gananoque, a town of slightly more than 5,000 people just west of Kingston, and you’ll find a lush oasis of greenery, sparkling waterways, boating and fishing.

The town is located on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River and is the entry point to the picturesque Thousand Islands.

It has a unique history, and has high-end accommodation and pampering spa escapes. The region has a dazzling natural beauty, a calming environment and laid back pace – which is sure to put the brakes on any pent up big city anxieties or commuter headaches.

Called ‘The Garden of the Great Spirit’ by First Nations people of the area, an early French settler once enthusiastically declared: “There must be a thousand islands here,” and the name stuck.

In fact, there are actually more than 1,700 islands in the region between Ontario and New York State where Lake Ontario flows into the St. Lawrence River.

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In the early 1900s, the area was the playground of North America’s elite. The Rockefellers and Vanderbilts bought up individual islands and proceeded to build opulent summer homes, leaving a gracious flavour of the Gilded Age on the whole region.

As for accommodations in the region, there are a variety of truly charming bed and breakfasts, including the Victoria Rose Inn, a fairytale Victorian mansion complete with gingerbread trim and turrets.

The elegant Gananoque Inn has meticulously landscaped garden property. The main structure of the inn dates from the 1860s when it was home to the Gananoque Carriage Works. It offers a variety of rooms and suites, including many with river views, and some with balconies, fireplaces and hot tubs. The inn has 500 feet of private docks and includes the Cedar Knoll, a gorgeous Victorian home beside the main building, and Caverly Cottage just at the edge of the property.

No visit to the region would be complete without a boat tour. The view from the water is unique as the area has an abundance of greenery and wildlife. It’s not unusual to see an osprey perched atop a pole. There are also plenty of islands with some incredible summer homes. Gananoque Boat Lines offers tours from $16.50 for one hour to $30 for a five-hour extravaganza to Boldt Castle, a 120-room, six-storey castle on Heart Island, N.Y. George Boldt, who owned the Waldorf Astoria, built the castle for his wife in the early 1900s.

So, when spring comes and the open road beckons, be sure to stop at Gananoque and the Thousand Islands region. You won’t be disappointed.

Anya Wassenberg is a freelance writer based in southern Ontario.

By Laura Ashdown

Wearing sunglasses while driving is essential for reducing glare and improving visibility. It makes your drive safer and protects your eyes from harmful UV rays. While safety and health concerns are noble reasons for choosing eyewear, how you look while protecting those precious peepers has taken on tantamount importance over the last several years. Sunglasses have become a status symbol in much the same way cars continue to be. And, as with our choice of vehicle, it’s all a matter of personal taste - and what we can afford. The rise in appeal of designer eyewear over the last few years is probably due to its relative affordability. Maybe you can’t spend $5,000 on a Chanel suit, but you could likely swing a few hundred for a pair of Coco’s signature sunglasses. And it isn’t always the most expensive pair with the greatest appeal.

Here’s a look at some of the more popular shades: The Wayfarer

RIVER MAGAZINE 23

The modestly-priced Ray-ban Wayfarer was first popularized

by Audrey Hepburn in 1961’s Flashy frames Breakfast at Tiffany’s and again The brightly-coloured frames we have been seeing since in the 80s by Tom Cruise in Risky last summer are a nod to the flashy 80s. A trend which began with stark white has now expanded to encompass Business. The revolutionary style (its plastic frames marked a change an entire palette, including yellow, blue, red, and orange from the metal norm) has made sometimes on the same frame. Celebrities have been spotted wearing neon-pink and green versions of the 80s- a huge comeback in the last few style Wayfarer. Embellished and bejeweled styles abound. years adorning the faces of stylish Whether rhinestone-encrusted, Swarovski-crystal adorned, celebrities such as Kate Moss and Sienna Miller. or decorated with precious gems, these uber-feminine touches are no longer exclusive to the jet set (or to women, Over-sized sunglasses for that matter). The sun-kissed twinkle of the stones adds 70s-inspired Jackie O-style glasses are, without question, a trend with an extra touch of glamour. legs. The only question is: how big Gradient lenses A current variation on the tinted lens (think of Bono’s blue- can they get? Over-sized sunglasshued Bulgaris), gradient lenses in which the colour fades es not only fulfill the fashionista’s fix, they offer protection against all from dark to light, top to bottom, are popular at the moment. Drivers may find them useful because they cut glare of winter’s elements, including sun, wind and snow. Recently, designers s from the sky but won’t dim your view of the dashboard.

However, a gradient tint offers little in the way of UV protec- have weighed in with a squareframed take on the trend. tion in and of itself. Like all fashion choices, it is mainly a Shields matter of style.

Characterized by a continuous flow w between the right and left lenses, shields offer optimum sun protection simply because they cover so much of the face. Ironically, health Aviators is often the last concern of the hip Another Ray-ban innovation, the wearers of these ultra-glam shades,aviator continues to be sought-after. especially when worn at night out- Introduced in 1937 to replace the standard-issue goggles of the time, side the club. the tear-drop shape allowed for a more even tan (no raccoon eyes) while providing sun protection for the army and air force pilots who wore them. Today’s aviator looks great on men and women alike.

Laura Ashdown is a freelance writer with a passion for fashion and the environment.

DRIVER LIFESTYLE 24

By Sereen Hindawi

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RIVER MAGAZINE 25

new coating can heal c paint scratches– lik d e magi

I

By Grant Cameron

t’s a beautiful spring day as you back the cherry red Mustang out of the garage for its first outing of the new driving season. I’ll just give this baby a lick of polish, you think to yourself, then take it out for a well-deserved spin. But as you gingerly run the chamois over the smooth metallic surface, you’re stopped in your tracks. To your horror, there’s an unsightly scratch running straight down the hood. Everything is spoiled now, you think.

Nothing will get rid of that. Don’t fret, though. Help could soon be on the way.

--------Scratch is gone!

Close up of scratch-------->

26

5 mins

15 mins

Scientists at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg have developed a polyurethane coating that heals its own scratches when exposed to ultraviolet light from the sun.

“We developed a polymeric material that is able to repair itself by exposure to the sunlight,” said professor Marek Urban, whose study on the material appeared recently in the journal Science.

“In essence, you create a scratch, and that scratch will disappear upon exposure to the sun.”

The self-healing system uses chitosan.

The substance can be incorporated into traditional polymer materials such as those used in coatings on cars to protect paint.

When the coating is damaged, ultraviolet light from the sun will cause the chitosan to react, and chemical chains occur that result in the paint re-bonding, eventually smoothing the scratch.

That’s the simple explanation.

The scientific one is much more complex.

The bottom line, though, is that the scratch disappears.

The compound was tested on a thin scratch and worked.

30 mins

The healing process took about an hour.

In future, the technology could be used to produce scratch-free cars and other scratch-free products.

Urban has not yet determined how much it would cost to manufacture the material but he suspects it wouldn’t be a lot because the quantities needed are relatively small.

“We are not in the manufacturing business, so one would have to sit down and really do the math and calculate the exact cost of production.”

Urban and his team are presently looking into a patent for the product.

“One option is obviously commercialization and patents and so on and so forth, which are pending.

“But we still have to determine a number of things.

“There’s still work to do, but we’re on the right track.”

The drawback?

Urban said it’s unlikely that the compound can heal paint that is scratched in the same area more than once.

“In principle, it should not be able to heal. Obviously this is one of the drawbacks of the system, because it is a onetime sort of repairing process in exactly the same area.

“But, what are the chances that in exactly the same area a small rock or some object is going to hit twice.”

Grant Cameron is Editor-in-Chief of The Driver.

Some sound advice

V

on car alarms

By Scott Marshall

ehicle alarms have become increasingly popular across Canada and North America over the last 25 years. They’ve also changed a lot, making it more difficult than ever for drivers to select just the right system. In its simplest form, a car alarm is an electronic device that attempts to discourage thieves from stealing a vehicle or its contents. But all alarms, you see, are not the same.

So the question is: What type of alarm should you select?

With so many different types on the market, it’s important to choose the security features that best suit your needs – and your budget. Years ago, I had a system that didn’t have a sounding alarm at all. It disabled the vehicle so the ignition didn’t work.

I liked that system. It gave me peace of mind to know that a thief wouldn’t be able to steal my car by driving it away. Instead, they’re favouring the immobilizer, a device The drawback was that this system didn’t prevent a thief intended to stop a car thief from driving away in a stolen from taking the contents left inside my vehicle. For that vehicle. Unfortunately, these devices do nothing in terms reason, I got into the habit of putting my valuables inside of protecting the theft of contents from inside the vehicle the trunk or glove box of my vehicle, out of sight of poten- itself. tial thieves.

To safeguard your vehicle against a car thief, you need There are many different types of alarms on the market, to use a device that will disable the engine to prevent the and they all use sensors. These sensors include: car from being driven away.

Mind you, a disabling system will not prevent valuables • Door sensors that determine if there’s an open left inside a car from being stolen. Nor will it deter orgadoor or trunk; nized chop-shop operations from quietly towing away • Shock sensors that determine if the body of the your car in the middle of the night and later stripping it for the sale of illegal auto parts. vehicle is moved; • Window sensors that determine if a window is Therefore, in addition to keeping all your valuables locked away, you should park in a well-lit area or near an broken; • Pressure sensors that determine if the air pressure overhead light so that any questionable activity can be easily spotted and reported to police. inside a vehicle changes, such as when the door is A thief will probably think twice about stealing a vehicle opened; or its contents when it is parked in clear view.

• Tilt sensors that determine if the vehicle has You should also lock your doors when leaving your car, been tilted, such as when it’s loaded on a tow and after getting in it. No need to make it too easy for truck. thieves to gain entry, especially with you sitting inside it The alarms go off if the sensor is triggered by movement, and falling victim to a car jacking. such as when someone tries to gain access to the vehicle So, before purchasing an alarm or security system for or attempts to move it. your vehicle, do your research and select the system that Most vehicle alarms don’t rely on just one sensor. They will best address your concerns. usually have a combination of those mentioned above.

Check with a variety of retail stores and use the internet The more complete your security system is, the safer your to find out more about your new investment. It will allow vehicle will be from theft. you to keep your prized possession in good hands …

Unfortunately, with car alarms being so common in our your own. society, people rarely react when one goes off in the comScott Marshall is director of training for Young Drivers munity, a residential area or parking lot. of Canada. He trains new drivers in Ontario, and new Due to this type of frequent public inaction, most manufac- instructors and teachers for Young Drivers of Canada in turers no longer fit their vehicles with noise alarm systems. Ontario and across Canada.

EDUCATION

?

R A C D E S U BUYING A how to make the right

28

By Mohammad Shahzad

Buying a used car can be risky, but it can also be very rewarding.

You can make it easy by doing some research to minimize your buying risk and maximize your satisfaction.

There are three important factors to consider in buying a used car.

First, it should be built by a company that’s known for quality and has a good track record in the auto industry.

Second, it should be well-cared for and maintained and have a good service history.

Third, it should have had no previous collisions or curbside hits.

If the used car meets all of these important factors, then there’s a good chance that you will enjoy peace with a peach, rather than be stuck with a sugary-coated lemon.

The key to making the right choice is finding a car that fits the needs of you and your family. It should provide reliability, safety, performance, comfort, convenience and fuel economy.

If you examine your needs, rather than your wants, you’ll

choice.

quickly discover what car is right for you. Take a look at your lifestyle and ask yourself these questions: • Is the car for primary use or is it a secondary vehicle for the family?

• Will it be used to commute for business, work or pleasure?

• Will it be used to car pool your family to and from school, sports practices, etc?

• Will it be used for the family vacation or hauling a trailer to the cottage?

• What kind of driving will you be doing most often?

• How much can you spend? Do you want to purchase or lease?

• Have you considered operating costs such as insurance, fuel, parking and maintenance?

There are many advantages to buying a used car. Cost is a major benefit. A one-year-old car is about 20 to 30 per cent cheaper than a new car. Used cars also depreciate less and financing a used car has never been easier.

Based on automotive technological innovations, late model used cars are more reliable and have better safety features

today than ever before. Many are still under factory warit should be, and you need to be careful because you’re ranties. buying a car that’s had drivers with different habits.

You’ll also be able to choose a higher-end and betAuction cars: Most cars repossessed by lenders or ter-equipped used car than you would a new one. The banks are auctioned off. Such cars may be risky for firstsavings can be invested or put away to use on operattime buyers because they probably haven’t had the best ing costs such as fuel, insurance, parking and maincare. tenance. You may miss the new car smell but you can Private sellers: Private sellers may be genuine but you smell savings. should use your judgment. Prices are substantially lower There are many places which sell used cars. Some of because they don’t have any overhead and usually don’t those sources are: have any guarantee. Make sure you check the car’s New car dealers: These are a promising source if you collision history. You can also check fair prices from the can afford to pay top dollar for peace-of-mind motor‘red’ or ‘black book’. Most private deals are in ‘as is’ coning. Franchise dealers generally have many late-model dition and you will have little recourse if problems arise trade-ins, lease returns with maintenance records, or later. You will also have to inspect for mechanical condicars from fleet agencies. Dealers also sell demo cars tion and history, do a lien search, get safety certification which are well-maintained and mainly driven by staff at and an emission test, register the vehicle, and arrange the dealership. Authorized dealers have repair facilifinancing. ties and often provide a warranty, so if anything goes If you decide to purchase a vehicle privately or via claswrong with the car later, you may not be out in the sifieds in the newspaper or the internet, watch out for cold. Generally, dealerships ensure that the used cars ‘curbsiders’ – people who sell vehicles outside the law. they sell do not have a lien on them. They also provide They may sell you a rebuilt or defective vehicle with a information on the vehicle’s history and usually provide tampered odometer or even with outstanding liens. extended warranty as an option.

By law, private sellers must obtain a Used Vehicle InforIndependent used car dealers: These dealers also of- mation Package (UVIP) from the Ministry of Transportafer fair prices, but their stock may include auctioned-off tion and show it to prospective buyers. vehicles, retired taxis, fleets, police cars and orphaned If the seller doesn’t have the UVIP, or if the ownership is cars from other provinces or states. If you decide to in a different name, decline the deal. shop at a used car dealer, choose ones that have been When you buy privately, you’re on your own with very at the same location for a while as shady operators little recourse if you discover the car has been misrepretend to move often. sented.

Rental car agencies: Rental car agencies retire their In Ontario, car dealers must be licenced by the Ontario fleet cars at one to two years of age and sell them diMotor Vehicle Industry Council. To verify dealer registrarectly to individuals or in bulk to used car dealers. Most tion, call them at 1-800-943-6002. have been properly maintained and include the balance of a factory warranty. The agency absorbed the largest Mohammad Shahzad is customer management operations manager at Brimell Toyota in Scarborough. For free advice, portion of the depreciation and they tend to use no-hagcall him at (416) 292-2241, ext. 4110, or email him at shah@ gle pricing. You’ll often find that pricing is higher than brimelltoyota.com.

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By Megan Pasche

ven the most passive among us have probably experienced that flash of anger at another driver.

It can bubble up suddenly and with unexplainable intensity.

You shout out the car window and make an obscene gesture as you fly past another vehicle.

This is road rage – something that’s on the increase.

The World Health Organization estimates that in the course of a year close to two million people around the globe die in traffic accidents, many of which are caused by aggressive driving.

A survey by the Canada Safety Council found that aggressive driving is one of the leading causes of automobile accidents in the country.

Aggressive driving emerged second only to driver inattention as the perceived main cause of motor vehicle collisions.

Despite this, 84 per cent of respondents to the survey admitted to at least one act of aggressive driving over the past year. So, with 20 million licenced drivers in Canada, that means at least 16 million Canadians knowingly act aggressively behind the wheel.

The survey found the things that annoy drivers most are: tailgating; making rude gestures; stealing parking spots; and changing lanes without using a signal.

When asked what they thought caused aggressive driving, about two-thirds of the respondents identified factors associated with stress and the pace of life – in other words, too much to do and too little time.

So how does one stay calm and focused behind the wheel? The Ontario Ministry of Transportation offers the following tips to prevent the escalation of careless and dangerous driving: Know where you are going and plan your route in advance: This helps reduce the likelihood of getting lost and feeling frustrated and vulnerable to stress.

When people are lost, they tend to drive more erratically, and they’re not always as conscious of what they’re doing. If you do get lost, remember it’s not the end of the world. It’s also not an excuse to drive recklessly. Pull over at a safe location and check a map for directions or ask somebody to help you get back on track so you can continue on your way.

Concentrate on driving: People forget that driving requires their absolute attention. Don’t let your mind wander while you drive because it’s likely that your car will wander too, frustrating or irritating other drivers.

Monitor your stress levels: If you’re getting stressed or anxious as you drive, consciously acknowledge what is happening and react proactively.

PUTTING THE

BRAKES ON

ROAD RAGE This can include doing deep breathing exercises or listening to relaxing music. Anything that helps bring stress levels down is a must for any responsible driver.

Don’t drive for hours on end: If you’re planning a long drive, make sure to factor in plenty of time to stop, stretch and rest. Never drive if you’re extremely tired. A mentally exhausted and tired driver is no different than one driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Be a courteous driver and don’t add fuel to a fire: Maybe you are correct in your belief that you are the only one on the road who knows how to drive properly. If that is the case, take a deep breath and lead by example. No point in teaching someone a lesson by demonstrating aggression if, in your opinion, they’re driving foolishly. Your calm demeanor can help diffuse any potentially careless driving situation.

Don’t compete with other drivers: Driving in everyday situations is not a competition. If someone is going to tailgate and honk until you move, just get out of the way and let it end there. Try not to engage an aggressive driver because the situation might easily escalate.

Take the scenic route: If you have plenty of time to get where you’re going, avoid traffic when you can. Be open to taking an extra hour or so to get to your destination and enjoy the drive.

Avoid honking unless absolutely necessary: People don’t like being honked at. Only honk when trying to warn another driver of a potential danger on the road. It’s not always easy for drivers, particularly those who feel stressed already, to differentiate between a friendly toot and an angry blast on the horn.

Own up to your mistakes: If you cut someone off at the grocery store with your shopping cart, you’d likely offer an apology. Being in a car should be no different. If you’ve done something stupid, a simple wave or mouthing of the word ‘sorry’ can go a long way in alleviating feelings of rage that might be escalating in the other driver. In the event your sincere gesture of apology is refused, then know you did your part and leave it at that.

So the next time someone cuts you off and you feel the blood pressure rising, let it go and proceed with your journey. After all, the only thing that matters is arriving safely at your destination.

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Unraveling the mystery

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By Sam Adewale

or many motorists, parallel parking is the most Fourth, stop your vehicle and turn your steering dreaded part of driving. wheel fully to the left, moving back until you are well But, it’s almost unavoidable. into the space. Make adjustments to your steering If you live in a busy city like Toronto, New York or as you are reversing into the space. You can move London, England, chances are you’ll have to parallel park at the vehicle forward and backward until you finally some point in your driving career. straighten it out.

It’s also something you’ll have to master to pass your road Finally, put your car in park and set the parking test. In Ontario, for example, you have to be able to parallel brake. park to get your G licence.

To leave the space, start your vehicle and release the But why do so many drivers try to avoid parallel parking? parking brake, check for traffic and pedestrians, then It could be the fear of hitting another vehicle in the process. reverse until you see the back tire of the car parked Maybe it’s the embarrassment of people watching you. in front of you.

It could also simply be that you just don’t know how to par- Now put your vehicle in drive, signal your intention, check allel park. Or you’ve never been shown. again for traffic and pull slowly out of the space.

To parallel park properly, you’ll have to practice. Patience Cancel your signal and drive on. and self-confidence will help you master the task.

Remember, the more you practice the better you’ll beHere are some steps to follow when attempting to parallel come. park on the right-hand side of the road.

If you have any questions feel free to email The Driver at First, signal your intention to other drivers as you apadvice@thedrivermagazine.com. proach the parking spot. Lower your speed and check the traffic from all directions.

Second, align your car with the vehicle parked in front of the space, preferably mirror to mirror. Check for veSam Adewale is Publisher hicles or pedestrians by looking left, right and behind of The Driver. you.

Third, put your vehicle in reverse and turn your steering wheel 360 degrees to the right and slowly reverse until you can see the licence plate of the parked vehicle and you are at an angle of 45 degrees.

Driving with a suspended licence can be costly

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By David Anber

he Supreme Court of Canada once referred to a statistic that indicated as many as one in 37 Ontario drivers is serving a licence suspension.

Evidence has shown that not much has changed over the past 25 years.

Many of the clients I see don’t realize the seriousness of driving with a suspended licence until after they’re caught.

In Ontario, your licence can be suspended for many different reasons.

Doctors can advise the Ministry of Transportation about people who may be a risk on the roads due to health concerns. Courts can even cause a licence to be suspended for failure to pay child support. Novice drivers can have their licences suspended for numerous reasons.

The most common ways to lose your licence are by having too many demerit points, or by not paying a fine.

The demerit point reason is fairly straightforward. Drivers who demonstrate an inability or unwillingness to comply with the rules of the road and get caught are charged with a variety of offences large and small. Upon conviction, demerit points are often added to their records.

Your licence is suspended when you accumulate 15 points.

For many of my clients, demerit points aren’t the problem. So what is the problem?

The most common reason my clients end up getting suspended is due to unpaid fines. They often don’t even realize they have fines pending.

For example, one client got stopped for speeding. His record was perfectly clean, so the officer was nice enough to reduce it to 15 km/h over the limit. The ticket was $52.50.

My client tossed the ticket into the back seat and never dealt with it. A few months later, he moved in with his girlfriend and cancelled the lease at his apartment.

My client didn’t know it, but the courts moved forward without him, and he was convicted for failing to respond.

A courtesy note was sent to his old address, and when he didn’t respond, his licence was suspended and another notice was sent.

A few years passed and my client forgot about the ticket – that was until he drove through a RIDE spot check.

“This is just a routine check sir,” the police officer said to my client. “Have you had anything to drink tonight?”

“No,” replied my client.

“Can I see your licence sir?” the officer asked. “It will just be a moment and you’ll be on your way.”

Two minutes later, the officer returned and said: “Sir, 32 / DRIVER MAGAZINE

please step out of the car. You’re a suspended driver. The tow truck is on its way.”

Finally, the officer handed my client a summons to court. The back of the summons warned him that if he didn’t attend court, a warrant might be issued for his arrest.

Arrest? Warrant?

This is when the client phoned me. He had 20 years of ticketfree driving and was quite worried about the prospect of going to jail.

In this particular case, I was able to work out something that’s often available for people in this kind of relatively innocent situation. But for many of my other clients, the situation isn’t so easy. Many of my clients have two, three or even more prior convictions for these kinds of charges.

Penalties for driving while under suspension are serious.

The minimum fine for a first offence is $1,125, and it results in an additional six-month suspension on top of any other suspension. The fine increases to $2,500 for a second offence and jail is also an option.

Although it is very unusual for a first offence and rather unusual for a second offence, the courts in many rural areas of Ontario tend to lean towards jail after a second conviction. Even in the cities, a third conviction almost always sees the prosecutor asking for a jail term. Additional transgressions can result in fines of up to $5,000 and up to six months in jail.

So what can you do if you’ve been charged with driving under suspension?

First, you need to stop driving. I can help a person no matter how many charges they have, but it becomes increasingly difficult with each existing charge/conviction. The more charges, the fewer the options.

Second, you must take steps right away to get the licence suspension lifted. If you have fines, pay them. If you have a medical suspension which no longer applies, get an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

Third, speak with an expert. Often, when someone represents themself in court, the prosecutor will convince them to take an option which might not be the best one in the circumstances.

Without competent legal representation, you may be giving up some of your rights and exposing yourself to additional suspensions.

David Anber is a licenced paralegal who has successfully fought speeding tickets, traffic offences and alcohol-related driving charges. You can reach him at 1-888-989-3946, or via email at ask@DavidAnber.com. His website is www.DavidAnber.com.

Fault and contributory negligence explained

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By Lawrence H. Mandel

his article deals with the issues of fault and contributory negligence in a motor vehicle accident.

We often hear lawyers use the legal term ‘tort’, which is defined as a legal wrong, and if you suffer damages as a result of tortious activity you have a claim for compensation for them.

But how do we handle compensation for a person who is at fault in a motor vehicle accident? Well, the injury claim of that person would be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to him/her. For example, if the injured person was found to be 25 per cent at fault for the accident, then the person would have to suffer a 25-percent reduction in his/her damages. If the injured person was not wearing a seatbelt, then his/her claim might be reduced by five to 25 per cent on account of contributory negligence.

Suppose another driver makes a left hand turn in front of your vehicle. If that is the case, the person making the left hand turn is likely at fault for your injuries, because he/ she failed to make the turn in safety or, alternatively, failed to yield the right-of-way. On the other hand, if you were proceeding over the speed limit, you may have contributed to the injuries by driving at an excessive rate of speed, notwithstanding the fact that the other driver made the left hand turn in front of you.

What this means is that your claim may be reduced by the amount of your contributory negligence. In cases such as these, the contributory negligence often amounts to 25 to 40 per cent against the driver who was speeding and 60 to 75 per cent against the driver who made the left hand turn. However, these are not hard and fast rules, and compensation in every motor vehicle accident will depend on the facts and circumstances of that particular accident.

Often, it is very difficult to determine who was liable for the accident. For example, suppose two motorists are heading in opposite directions on a narrow highway at night. The highway has one lane for northbound traffic and another lane for southbound traffic. Both motorists are heading up a hill from opposite directions and crash head-on at the top. Police might not be able to determine who was on the wrong side of the road. It’s obvious that one of the motorists, or both, crossed the centre line because if each

motorist were in the proper lane the accident would not have occurred.

So who’s liable?

Often, if the injuries are serious enough, accident reconstruction experts (engineers) will be retained to assist in determining, through scientific analysis, which vehicle was on the wrong side of the road.

Here’s another example. Suppose you had an accident at an intersection that had a traffic light. One vehicle was traveling east, the other was heading north. Both drivers maintain they had green lights, but that can’t be the case unless the lights were not operating properly.

If there are no witnesses to the accident, and you must simply rely on what each driver says, the case is difficult, to say the least. Much will depend on who is believed.

A case like this will often be settled on a 50/50 basis - that is, each driver is assessed equal responsibility for the accident because there is a fear that one or the other could lose 100 per cent if it went to trial.

Most cases do not end up at trial. They are settled out of court on a compromised basis. This is sensible for a number of reasons, namely: • any party could lose 100 per cent; • if you lose, you may have to pay a certain amount for legal fees and costs which could be very expensive depending on the length and complexity of the action; • there is an aggravation in going to court and that is worth something to avoid; • it could take three to four years or more to get to trial; • a court judgment can be appealed, whereas a reasonable settlement can not normally be appealed successfully; and • it could take another two years for the appeal to be heard.

Before any case is settled, lawyers for each side thoroughly investigate the facts and circumstances and the losses that were alleged. In other words, the settlement procedure involves a lot of work because lawyers want to make sure they have all the information when they enter into negotiations to settle a case.

You can only settle the case once. Therefore, it has to be done right the first time.

Lawrence H. Mandel is a personal injury lawyer with Thomson, Rogers Barristers and Solicitors. He has been with the firm more than 45 years and, among other things, has represented victims of car accidents, airplane crashes and train derailments.

Help

save a life

Driving an emergency vehicle through traffic is especially dangerous at the best of times, but even more so if motorists don’t know what to do. Mistakes can have dire consequences for everybody. So, if an emergency vehicle appeared in your rearview mirror with its lights flashing and sirens blaring, would you know what to do? The law states that if an emergency vehicle approaches you from any direction, you must pull

By Scott Marshall over and stop to let it pass. Stopping is a good idea, as long as you don’t block a driveway, intersection or the direct path of the emergency vehicle. The job of emergency services personnel is difficult enough without you slowing them down by being oblivious to their needs.Now, don’t get me wrong. I’ve seen many drivers do the proper thing by signaling, pulling over and stopping. But there are still many drivers who don’t. It takes only a few seconds to pull over and let emergency personnel pass before you can pull back on the road and continue on your way. Those few seconds can save a life. Besides, if you pull over and stop, perhaps others drivers around you will do the same thing. Maybe they’ll follow the leader. The other day, while I was out with my children, I saw a frustrated ambulance driver have to wait for three vehicles to enter and exit an intersection before being able to proceed. The siren on the ambulance was blaring and the lights were flashing, but drivers continued to go through the intersection. Why would they do that? Could they not see the ambulance, the flashing lights or hear the siren? Did they even care that the life of someone was on the line? Sadly, on the same night I saw another unfortunate incident. While returning home with my children, I saw yet another ambulance waiting to make it through a different intersection. Many motorists seem surprised when an emergency vehicle approaches with its lights flashing and its sirens on. But why? We learn what to do in school and it was on the written test when we got our driver’s licence. Whatever happened to common sense? While driving with a student years ago on a four-lane, one-way street, I witnessed pure confusion from a driver. The student and I were in the far left lane as an emergency vehicle approached us from behind with its lights flashing and sirens blaring. The student and I pulled to the left curb, put on our hazard lights and stopped. The driver directly ahead of us did three lane changes to pull to the curb on the right and stop. Once the emergency vehicle passed us, the driver did three more lane changes to the left to return to the original lane. Why did the driver do that? How easy would it have been to move one metre to the left and stop?

There are drivers who try to do the proper thing, but end up making the situation worse. The law says to pull over to the right and stop, but common sense has to be used as well. I ask my students to pull over to the closest, safest curb and stop. On a two-way street we’re always talking about the right lane, but on a one-way street it could be either side. Choose the side the emergency vehicle is the furthest away from and easiest for you to reach. As drivers, we also need to realize that a traffic island down the centre of the entire road means you don’t have to pull over and stop. The traffic island blocks the emergency vehicle from being able to cross. Therefore, you won’t be blocking its path of travel. This means you can continue your trek along the road without having to pull over and stop.

To help emergency response teams reach their destinations safely, you should follow these safety tips: - Check your mirrors every five to eight seconds. If you notice the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle, signal and pull over immediately. - Keep your stereo volume low enough to hear any sirens. By being able to hear easily, you can be made aware of a situation sooner. - Look well ahead up the road. This will help you spot an emergency vehicle approaching you sooner, so you can respond earlier. - Scan intersections as you approach them. This will allow you to notice emergency vehicles on their way to save a life as well as drivers who might enter your path.

We need to help all drivers reach their destinations, especially those driving police, ambulatory and firefighting vehicles. By being observant enough to notice them early, you’ll have plenty of time to respond safely. With this awareness, you might help save a life.

Scott Marshall is director of training for Young Drivers of Canada. He trains new drivers in Ontario, and new instructors and teachers for Young Drivers of Canada in Ontario and across Canada.

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let emergency vehicles pass safely

Spring brings warmer weather and potholes

By Justin Pritchard

your vehicle is in need of an alignment in a matter of minutes on your own - no tools required. If your ride is properly aligned, its tires should wear evenly across. Any sign of uneven wear across the tread of a tire usually indicates a problem.

Turn the steering wheel so that you can get a good look at the tread of the front tires. Is there more wear visible on the inside or outside of the tread? You may be able to tell right away if the wear is severe - though a tread-depth gauge can help if you’re not sure. Another simple check involves driving down a straight, flat, empty piece of roadway and releasing the steering wheel. If the vehicle pulls to one side, the alignment may be out as well. Most mechanics agree that an alignment should start and end with a test drive. Tires should be in good shape with even wear before an alignment is carried out. If tires are worn unevenly and used after the alignment, they’ll only make partial contact with the road - which is a safety issue. Although the unevenly worn tire can be a telltale sign of trouble, it should be replaced before having the alignment corrected.

The detrimental effects on safety caused by improper tire contact with the road’s surface are not to be underestimated. The tire is the only part of the vehicle that touches the road and it can dictate the effectiveness of steering and braking systems.

Remember, your vehicle’s front end is comprised of several complicated systems that work together. Steering and suspension, for instance, contain many parts that can wear out over time - potholes or not. Occasional checks of these systems by a mechanic are vital to ensuring your vehicle operates as intended.

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pring is in the air, carrying on its breeze the promise of new beginnings, blooming flowers, refreshing rainfalls, warmer weather and, of course, those dreaded giant potholes.

The season brings temperature changes and fluctuating precipitation that can leave expanses of roadway reduced to rubble.

Turns out, spring is also the season for frost heaves, cracked wheel rims and high-speed pothole dodging. Some drivers make a game of it, while others navigate road-craters at a crawling pace, slowing up traffic.

It reminds one of Guitar Hero - with an assortment of shapes streaming towards you between the edges of the hood. Perhaps the video game folks should consider a title called Pothole Hero. One of the main problems with potholes is that they chew up and knock around your vehicle’s suspension, resulting in damage and alignment issues.

Your vehicle leaves the factory with its steering and suspension components precisely aligned to keep the wheels oriented in a very specific manner to the road - and to one another. This setup lays the foundation for vehicle handling and response in a variety of situations like cruising, steering, accelerating and braking.

But nail a gorge in the surface of the road and that alignment could be thrown off - sometimes considerably.

So, if your vehicle has been acting strange since you whacked that teeth-rattling, coffee-spilling crater, if there’s abnormal or accelerated tire wear, or if the car tries to steer itself, chances are your alignment is out of whack and will need some attention. Don’t worry, though. It’s a relatively inexpensive and painless procedure, sort of the automotive equivalent of a visit to the chiropractor. You can check if

Justin Pritchard is a Sudbury-based automotive writer and photographer.

He is also a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.