JAN - FEB 2009
VOL 7 ISSUE 1
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Puts Music Into High Gear
MIRIAM TIKOTIN, Soprano
Going Green in Auto Parts Harley-Davidson Tri Glide
D O N ’ T D RI N K A N D D R I V E ! B U T I F C HA R G ED…
Romantic Escapes on Valentine’s Day
CANADA’S FIRST MAGAZINE FOR DRIVERS
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www.drivermagazine.ca
welcome
NEW LOOK • NEW ARTICLES • NEW CONCEPTS
THE NEW DRIVER MAGAZINE
Jan - Feb 2009 Vol. 7 Issue 1
Editor’s Message…
HELLO
Fellow Drivers…
It is my distinct pleasure to come on board as the new Editor-in-Chief for The Driver Magazine. A bi-monthly publication founded by The Driver Inc. six years ago. The inception of The Driver Magazine came about after Sam recognized the distinctive need for licensed drivers and car owners to have a practical resource, offering expert automotive advice on parts and services available in Ontario. To date, The Driver Magazine remains the only ‘oneof-a-kind’ print publication in Ontario, offering valuable and relevant automotive information to more than 2 million drivers and car owners.
While the journey until now has been quite eventful for The Driver Magazine, the time has come to build on our past achievements and offer our readers even more valuable information to enhance their driving and automotive ownership experience. As such, having applied my corporate strategic business expertise of more than 12 years along with my editorial and writing background, I am pleased to present the new Driver Magazine, which includes a brand new sleek copy design and complete content revamp.
Romantic Escapes on
Valentine’s Day Pg 26
Changes to layout include eliminating our black and white newspaper print and offering all pages in full colour and low gloss finish commencing with this issue in January 2009. To further accommodate people with low vision, all articles will soon be featured in Verdana font in future issues for easier reading. This is just one way for our publication to display its support of the new Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) by becoming more accessible to persons with disabilities and/or special needs prior to the 2012 compliance deadline for the private sector industry.
Aside from the graphic design layout, The Driver Magazine now offers 11 topical sections with regular columns and feature articles that extend beyond automotive expertise.
Highlights Usage and Dosage
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Maxine Marz, MA
GPS New Features
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10
Don’t Drink and Drive!
20
The Fear Five Filthy Filters...
2009 Porsche 911 PDK
Cold Weather Testing: More Inside
You’re in a Skid: .................3 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ..........................12
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Compensation for Car Crashes ..................15 Road Test Tips ...............15
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Going Green in Auto Parts
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New “HIT & RUN” Section
Touch of Style
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Harley-Davidson ..............16 Up Coming Motorcycle & Car Events 2009 ..............30
Scott Marshall is the Director of Training for Young Drivers of Canada and has spent 21 years in driver training. Not only does he train new drivers in Ontario, but he also trains new instructors and teachers for Young Drivers of Canada; in Ontario and across Canada.
Annette Mueller is a Toronto-based freelance researcher and journalist. As a tour guide introduces visitors around the province and to the beauty and the hidden secrets of Ontario. Anette also studies and researches holistic and naturopathic medicine.
Sereen Hindawi is a communications graduate from the University of Toronto. She is fluent in several languages including English, Arabic, German and basic French. Sereen brings her passion for writing coupled with her solid experiences, skills and knowledge in written communications to The Driver.
David Gold is the co-owner of Standard Auto Wreckers www.StandardAutoWreckers.com, a large buyer of used and older vehicles for parts and recycling purposes with locations in Toronto, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York. David provides us with informative articles covering everything related to auto parts for new and used vehicles.
Glen Konorowski has been an automotive journalist for more than 20 years and an avid auto enthusiast all his life. He is specializes in writing about auto accessories and motorcycles. He recently joined The Driver where he’ll cover everything there is to know about motorcycles.
Kimea Blake is a fiercely fashionable fashionista not by choice. Style is her life and fashion is her purpose. With over 10 years in the fashion industry she has walked the runways, been in countless editorials, and had proudly worked as both a Style and Fashion Editor for the past 6 years.
Anya Wassenberg, is based in Southern Ontario, and has been a freelance writer for more than two decades. Her pieces have appeared all over North America and in the UK, and she includes teaching creative writing courses at the college level among her varied pursuits.
Timothy Shamess is a freelance writer and an avid motorcyclist with over 25 years riding experience. Tim is a prominent voice in the motorcycling community, addressing issues that affect riders from coast to coast. He provides readers with exciting motorcycle road trip information, worth exploring.
Mohammad Shahzad has been embracing pride and passion in the automotive industry since 1965. He has been sharing his knowledge in automotive maintenance with the community through TV, radio talk shows, print media and seminars on basic car care for safety, savings and satisfaction.
Larisa Redins is Canadian writer with degrees in both Arts and Biological Science. She is considered a real vintage car buff and The Driver magazine is thrilled to have her share her expertise in her Vintage Automobile column. Larisa is also a freelance writer for numerous other organizations, magazines, and online too.
Laura Ashdown is a freelance writer with a passion for fashion and the environment. Her work has appeared in the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail and Homemaker’s magazine. She recently came on board as a fashion freelance writer for The Driver magazine to provide readers with the latest trends in fashion accessories. David Anber obtained a B.A. in Political Science at McGill University in 2003. He intends to be called to the bar of Ontario in June 2009. David Anber is also the founder of Dynamic Legal Solutions, who is now an advertiser of paralegals and lawyers like David, and provides marketing services to law firms and legal services firms.
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writers
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Jan - Feb 2009
Lawrence Joel (Larry) Fenwick, is an accomplished auto accessories columnist. As The Driver magazine’s regular columnist he provides readers with practical details about some of the latest trends in automotive accessories. All one has to do is read Larry’s column to learn about the latest gadgets and features that help drivers accessorize their vehicles.
Justin Pritchard Justin Pritchard has worked for over 2 years as an automotive journalist, video presenter, consultant and award-winning photographer. Residing in Sudbury, Ontario, he hosts a weekly TV and Web review video segment called Auto Pilot. Justin’s interests include rowing, lapping, and tweaking his 1993 Toyota MR2.
Publisher
Samuel Adewale
Editor
Maxine Marz, MA
Art Director Sharon Foster
Graphic Designer Sajid Khan
Circulation Manager Oluremi Adewale
Account Manager Eva C. John
Corporate Client Rep. Barbara Newby
Photographer
Alton Matheson (Cover)
Contributors
David Anber Laura Ashdown Kimea Blake Larry Fenwick David Gold Sereen Hindawi Glen Konorowski Lawrence Mandel, Q.C. Scott Marshall Maxine Marz, MA
For advertising call : 416-398-2700 or e-mai: info@thedrivermagazine.ca The Driver Magazine is published bi-monthly in Canada by: The Driver Inc. 1315 Finch Avenue West, Suite 408 Toronto, ON M3J 2G6 Tel: 416 398 2700 Fax: 416 398 3272 Toll Free: 1-800-728-5771 www.drivermagazine.ca www.thedrivermagazine.com
For distribution and subscription inquiries please call, or email: info@thedrivermagazine.com Subscription rates: Within Canada: $25 CDN/yr, Outside Canada: $30 CDN/yr. Please make cheques payable to: The Driver Inc. and mail to the address above.
The contents of this magazine are the exclusive property of The Driver Inc. 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.
Safety & Security
S
Freeze! Should you steer into the skid? Out of the skid? Hit the brakes? Leave them be? There’s precious little time to make the right decision. One wrong move, and you’ll wind up tumbling sideways down an embankment or into parked cars on the side of the road. Of course, the best advice is to try and prevent skids from taking place in the first place, This could mean ensuring winter-tires are
You’re in a Skid:
Justin Pritchard
kidding can happen at anytime to anyone. You’re driving down an off-ramp or you turn onto a side road where the street has not been plowed and salted. Suddenly you find yourself driving on a very icy and slippery surface. You reduce your speed but, going slowly and taking it easy, unfortunately, does not prevent your car from going into a skid. The pit of your stomach goes into knots, as you feel your car squirm beneath you. The tires have lost their grip with the pavement. The rear of the car slides outward, and your mind instantly switches to panic mode.
installed, properly,
inflated and in good shape - among other things. Traction and stability control can be life savers, but they only work with what grip is available - so adding snow tires to the mix is crucial for their maximum effectiveness. Same goes for all wheel drive. Many factors are involved in a rear-wheel skid, but some general tips are good to keep in mind for safety’s sake. First off, the convention of steering ‘into’ or ‘out of’ a skid can be a confusing one. My mother once lost control of the family minivan, and asked my father which was correct as we all slid sideways down an icy hill. What’s easier to remember is to keep the steering wheel and your eyes pointed where you want the car to go. Don’t stare at the tree or rock that you don’t want to hit. Rather look towards the open road where you’re hoping to wind up. Tough in practice, yes, but fundamental to skidding success. It’s also not the time to go Hollywood-style either. No thrashing the wheel or steering excessively - just steadily keep it pointed in your intended direction of travel, and be gentle in your steering. Remember that applying the brakes may not be the answer. Under braking, weight transfers to the front (and away from the rear) of your vehicle. Applying your brakes at the wrong time, could cause the rear-end of your skidding car to become lighter - potentially worsening the skid. If you apply the brakes midskid, do it gently and gradually. Use the same caution with the steering wheel. Ian Law is a professional performance driving instructor and former Ontario Ice Racing champion. His Car Control School (www.carcontrolschool.com) provides advanced driving and safety instruction to students. He comments, “being smooth with all the controls is paramount to safe driving”. Most drivers will over-correct by putting in too much steering input. Being smoother with the steering will help prevent over-correcting. Vision training is also the key in maneuvering your car to safety. It doesn’t matter much what you do with the controls - if you aren’t looking in the direction you want your car to travel, you won’t recover from the skide”. So, how do you ensure smooth operation when in the midst of a potentially disastrous skid? The main answer is by being confident. When skidding, most drivers panic, tense up and have difficulty being gentle with the controls. Confidence is key in minimizing this dangerous panic reaction, and it can be built up by practice skidding. Hence, driving professionals suggest taking your vehicle into a large empty space, like an empty parking lot The Driver Magazine
Jan - Feb 2009
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Health Promotion
Usage and Dosage: Use Your Meds Responsibly
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When Driving
Maxine Marz, MA
he ability to drive safely should be on every driver’s mind, especially if they have had any recent changes in their medical condition that requires taking medications or even over-the-counter (OTC) cold relief remedies. The reason is simple, regardless if one is taking opiates, depressants, or stimulants.Each can adversely affect the driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. Opiate based meds include codeine. They are often prescribed to relieve not only pain but also anxiety disorders. However, some side effects include feelings of euphoria and sleepiness – both of which pose a risk to the driver who might drive more carelessly or end up falling asleep behind the wheel. Depressants like barbiturates intend to slow down the user‘s brain and body, causing deep relaxation, increased calmness and slower motor skills. As such, a person driving under the influence of these drugs will likely have slower body coordination and their ability to react promptly to situations presented on the road will be significantly delayed. Acetaminophen, belonging to a class of drugs called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers) is typically taken to treat headaches, fever, body aches and pains, and to treat symptoms of allergies, cold, cough, and flu. A commonly known acetaminophen is Tylenol. While acetaminophen is readily available in many OTC pain relief and cold medicine products, it generally does not affect driving skills when taken at prescribed medical doses. However, they can make some people feel overconfident, which results in risky driving behaviours. Amphetamines taken at higher doses can also contribute to feelings of hostility and aggression, which can lead to road rage incidents. Taking acetaminophen with other narcotic pain relievers can heighten the narcotic meds’ side effects thereby impairing the user’s ability to remain alert, focused and able to react quickly to a rapidly changing environment. Actually, driving under the influence of sedatives and painkillers can have the same effects as alcohol on the body, thereby impairing the driver‘s ability to drive safely. The side effects of these drugs are increased, especially when taken in high doses, overmedicating or when mixed with alcohol (a CNS depressant). For example, someone might think that they are being a responsible driver by limiting their alcohol consumption to only one small drink at an after-work office party. However, they forget or dismiss that they are taking on opiate, muscle relaxant or another type of pain relief 4
The Driver Magazine
Jan - Feb 2009
medication. Hence, the effects of having that one small alcoholic beverage mixed with their pain medicine can greatly impede their coordination, response and depth perception of surroundings once behind the wheel. For this reason, many that drive under the influence of alcohol and these meds tend to drive recklessly including speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, driving off the road, being unable to stop quickly or manoeuvring their vehicle to safety in a timely manner. Consequently, mixing alcohol with opiates, CNS depressants and/or barbiturates can lead to devastating outcomes on the road, as the impaired driver will have greater difficulty recognizing how far or close other vehicles, pedestrians or objects really are to them. Their judgement may also be affected so thst they might feel overconfident and unable to recognize that their driving skills have been compromised. Unlike opiates and depressants, stimulant drugs such as caffeine, amphetamines and cocaine heighten a driver’s alertness, but it does not mean that they improve one’s driving skills. In fact, a particular danger of stimulant drugs is that their effects can wear off suddenly and without warning. For example, a fatigued driver stops and grabs a tall coffee to help him keep awake on his long drive home. The effects of the caffeine in the coffee provide the needed jolt to the system. However once metabolized the effects of the drowsiness and fatigue often return with a vengeance, making it difficult for the driver to stay alert and awake. This places the driver and others on the road in grave danger, especially if that driver were to suddenly fall asleep
A
A SMOKE-FREE RIDE FOR OUR KIDS By Eva C. John
s of January 21st, 2009, the Ontario Government deployed one of its strongest actions to protect the health of children in this province: a tough new law. The Smoke-Free Ontario Amendment Act, 2008 came into effect on Wednesday, January 21st, 2009. For anyone who missed the fine details on what this law really means, do take note: A fine of up to $250.00 applies to all adult offenders determined to be smoking in a motor vehicle while in the presence a child under the age of 16. The law applies to all vehicle types whether the windows are up or down; whether the vehicle is a truck, a van, or even a convertible with the roof down. The Smoke-Free Ride fine applies even if the vehicle is parked. Yes, parked. As a part of the McGuinty government’s Smoke-Free Ontario strategy, the Smoke-Free law is meant to reinforce the idea that smoking is no longer a socially
behind the wheel. Hence the best remedy for fatigue is to pull off the road, and get a restful snooze. The use of cocaine when driving holds its own dangers. Aside from being an illegal substance that will result in criminal charges if caught driving under its influence, cocaine makes one feel overconfident behind the wheel. It also affects the user‘s vision, causing blurring, glare and hallucinations. Some users experience seeing twinkling “snow lights”; flashing movements of bright lights in the peripheral field of their vision. This can result in them wanting to swerve toward or away from these imaginary shimmers of lights. Drivers who use cocaine also have reported hearing ringing bells or smelling scents of smoke or gas that weren’t really there. These auditory and olfactory hallucinations have been known to distract drivers and causing them to crash. Despite the fact that the use of drugs when used on their own or in combination with alcohol is not routinely assessed in traffic accidents, it remains an important factor in many road deaths. Equally disturbing is that when drivers involved in traffic accidents were tested for alcohol and drug use, alcohol was predominantly found but the total number of positive test results for all drugs exceeded alcohol use alone. Given that certain medications and drugs can pose major safety problems, before getting behind the wheel drivers are encouraged to always consult with their doctor and pharmacist to learn about the possible side effects that their medications can have on their central nervous system and coordination skills.
acceptable activity. More importantly, this new law means that a major contributor to ill health in children is now a lot less likely to harm them. Children who have been exposed to second hand smoke are more likely to experience sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and severe respiratory difficulties such as asthma. A person who was exposed to second hand smoke in their childhood is more likely to develop heart disease and cancer in their adult years. Dr. Ken Arnold, President of the Ontario Medical Association said, “By ensuring the protection of Ontario’s children from second-hand-smoke in vehicles today, we are helping them to continue to live healthy lives in the future.” Second hand smoke in a cars can be as much as 27 times more concentrated than the smoke that is found inside a smoker’s home. Police enforcement of the Smoke-Free Ride law means that everywhere in Ontario, our officers are ready to write the tickets for offenders. There was once a time when the words, “You’ve come a long way, baby” were used in a jingle to promote smoking. Today we can say that we’ve come a long way for our babies.
If you or someone you know need help to quit smoking, call: the Smokers’ HelpLine 1-877-513-5333, or visit www.smokershelpline.ca The Driver Magazine
Jan - Feb 2009
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Accessories
GPS Lawrence Fenwick
MANUFACTURERS EMPHASIZE NEW FEATURES RATHER THAN BARGAINS Today’s features of the Mio GPS include LED display custom voice files, integrated randomized greetings and 300 custom names that welcome the driver to its navigation experience as soon as the engine is started.
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The Driver Magazine
Jan - Feb 2009
“Who are you going to trust more than Mio GPS and K.I.T.T. to get you out of trouble when you’re lost in L.A. traffic?”
M
ost manufacturers of Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) units for cars are emphasizing new features or added product lines for ships or cell phones in early 2009. For example, Mio Technology has introduced “the world’s first NAVI-tainment portable navigation unit. This system uses the Knight Industries Two Thousand technology which was originally featured in the famous 1980’s TV series “Knight Rider”. For those that may not recall this television epic, K.I.T.T. was the voice of the souped up black Trans AM that helped navigate the lead character, Michael Knight (played by David Hasselhoff) out of any trouble. Jeremy Laws, Senior V-P of mobile and broadband of Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group states, “Who are you going to trust more than Mio GPS and K.I.T.T. to get you out of trouble when you’re lost in L.A. traffic?” Today’s features of the Mio GPS include LED display custom voice files, integrated randomized greetings and 300 custom names that welcome the driver to its navigation experience as soon as the engine is started. The voice synthesizer displays moves in sync with the voice. The Mio Technology Knight Rider GPS unit can also be programmed to advise when one is driving over the speed limit. The Knight Rider offers the choices of normal, auto and pursuit cruising. The latter would be ideal for police cruisers, although their press release does not advocate this feature. Other benefits the Mio GPS unit provides include the fastest or shortest routes and highway preference options. A fast signal locks via a SiRF InstantFix 111 receiver to allow drivers to navigate their course quickly and efficiently. In the USA it retails for approximately $269.95. The Mio GPS unit is
also available in Canada in select stores. For retail locations and pricing details please visit: www.knightridergps.com. Magellan Navigation Inc., another popular GPS firm, promotes its Maestro™ 4350 model. It is the industry’s first vehicle navigation device with an easy “OneTouch” user interface. With the Maestro 4350, one can enter their favorite destinations and searches with one simple click. Location details of preferred stores, banks, restaurants, etc., can also be easily programmed for easy referral in the future. The OneTouch screen features a main display where searching for points of interest can be easily read. For Canadian retail locations and pricing details please visit: www.magellangps.com. Alpine Electronics of America Inc., features its own PND-K3, a 4.3 inch Touch-Screen Portable GPS Navigation with Built-In Bluetooth system. (PND is the acronym for Portable Navigation Device). The PND is completely redesigned into a slim package and new user interface. The hands-free Bluetooth technology is combined with OnPoint Advanced GPS Positioning. (For more product features please visit www.alpine-usa.com.) This system, unlike its more sophisticated counterpart the Blackbird PMD-B200, Portable Navigation System that retails for $750.00 US, has recently been dramatically reduced from its original list price of $549.99 US. It now retails for only $349.95 US. However, other on-line retailers like Sonic Electronix.com (www.sonicelectronix.com) offer the PND-K3 at an additional savings, for only $279.99 US plus S&H fees. This type of dramatic price reduction can be attributed to the worrisome economic times and the looming recession in the USA, where retailers
ATV 101 Eva C. John
aim to entice even the most price conscientious consumers in this volatile
economy. TomTom Inc.’s is another leader in GPS systems. The company was recently presented with the J.D. Power and Associates Call Center Customer Satisfaction Excellence Award. This is the second consecutive year that TomTom has won this prestigious award. According to their press release, TomTom exceeded the rigorous standards of the certification process. In 2008, their call centers handled more than 900,000 telephone, fax and e-mail interactions. TomTom is ‘the only GPS company to have received this prestigious award,” according to TomTom President Jocelyn Vigreux. For more details please visit www.tomtom.com. Nextar, an affiliate of TofascoSM, has developed the latest in GPS navigation system that uses MSN® Direct (www.msndirect.com). The location based service is free of charge for a full year to new purchasers. The unit Q4 Series includes a 4.3 inch touch-screen display and built-in speaker. Other standard features are voice-guided, turn-by-turn prompts for maps, the latest traffic reports, as well as current weather conditions and three-day forcasts. Customers also receive gas price comparisons for nearby service stations, news headlines, stock quotes, local events, box office times for local movie theatres, sport events and concert listings. The Q4-MD system retails for $329.99 US, including a one-year limited warranty. It will hit USA store shelves in spring of 2009. For additional product the features and Canadian retail pricing please visit www.nextar.com. Given the latest technological advances in GPS systems for automobiles, the driving experience has been revolutionized for the better and it continues to improve with each passing year. After all, no more worries about getting lost, going over the speed limit, or being surprised by change in weather conditions. All can be easily accessed with the simple touch of a screen or voice activated technology. The only disappointment that remains with these remarkable devices is that they are still not equipped with the necessary program to brew the driver their favorite cup of java in the morning while en route to work. Until that time, drivers will just need to make due with allowing their GPS unit to navigate them to their favourite coffee shop instead. Ah, what a hard life some of us must lead.
The 2008 Ontario Injury Prevention Conference (OIPC) took place on November 17th, 18th and 19th, 2008 surrounded by the roar of big city traffic in downtown Toronto at the Courtyard Marriott. Could there be a more perfect place to get a few lessons on safety? The key note speakers at the OIPC were André Picard, acclaimed reporter, author and policy writer, and Michael Adams, who is also an author, and the president of Environics. Graced by Ontario’s transportation superstars, such as retired Sergeant Cam Woolley, the Minister of Transportation himself, the Honourable James Bradley, the OIPC offered a plethora of cutting edge discussions on legal, professional and recreational safety issues. One of the fastest growing transportation markets today is the all terrain vehicle sport. The off road recreational vehicle community is as smart and progressive as the new transportation challenges of our times have demanded they become! At this time, there are nearly 300,000 registered ATVs in Ontario alone. New ATV’s are being purchased in this province at a rate of 20,000 each year. The safety aspects of the off road sport are fairly obvious. 74% of fatalities are a direct result of a helmet not being worn. One glaring defect in our social standard has remained unchanged: Young males are still the major risk takers when it comes to v e h i c l e management. In male ATV drivers aged 18 to 55, 50% of fatalities in this group are a result of a helmet not being used. One of the best ways to ensure new ATV enthusiasts have a good experience with the sport is if they a s s o c i a t e
Sergeant Michael D. Price,
Contʼd
Off Road Safety Coordinator, Highway Safety Division, OPP The Driver Magazine
Jan - Feb 2009
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in Auto Saves Money and the Environment
Going Green
themselves with a club. Ontario’s ATV clubs have been promoting a good citizen relationship between their club members and the province. At least once a year Ontario’s ATV clubs organize an environmental clean-up day with their members. The opportunity for thorough training within a club network includes youth rider programmes for young people, aged 12 to 16 where the basic good sense of not trespassing and wearing the correct safety gear becomes customary. In the case of youth riders, the most important factor is adult supervision. After parents buy that $1,200.00 ATV for junior, they have to actually get out on the trails with them. This is the best remedy for the 30% of fatalities in which are riders under 18 years of age. Education seems to be the key to improvements in safety. In 2007, off road vehicle fatalities in Ontario totaled 26. By the end of 2008, that number had come down to 16. One of the guest speakers at the OIPC on the subject of all terrain vehicle safety was Sergeant Michael D. Price, the Off-Road Safety Coordinator in the Highway Safety Division of the OPP. His division oversees snowmobiles, boats, and ATV’s. Sgt. Price made the point that the type of driver who would take the chance to drive more than 50 km/hr over the speed limit in a car, is also likely to drive aggressively on a trail, or in a boat. In Ontario, policing of snowmobiles, ATV’s and waterway vest enforcement is maintained by three units. Presently, 120 law enforcement ATV’s are on Ontario’s trails. Since 1997, Ontario has experienced a new slant in driver preference in recreational activities: ATV’s now exceed the number of snowmobiles in use. They also out sell outboard motor sales in the Province. For certain sportsman including trappers and hunters, their ATV’s are a necessary tool, and not a recreational pass time. Working toward a safer off road experience includes being aware that after market accessories and add-ons to even the best ATV can change the centre of gravity. This can lead to rollover accidents, which cause the most serious injuries for ATV riders. Off road trail riding is a fun and rapidly growing sport. Find a club, use all of the safety gear, and respect the environment and the rules. That sounds easy.
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The Driver Magazine
Jan - Feb 2009
David Gold
Y
ou might be surprised to know that your local progressive Auto Recyclers have been taking an active part in many pro-active initiatives to help bring value to persons of the driving public. There are many reasons for our interest to bring about a heightened sense of awareness in support of our industry as we acknowledge that there are numerous misconceptions and misunderstandings as to what it is that we do. Since there is no shortage of vehicles that reach the end of their useful life each year (either due to natural or premature causes) combined with the fact that the automobile is the number one most recycled product in the world, it only stands to reason that our industry needs to promote itself for the greater good of everyone by doing our part in protecting our precious environment. This is precisely why I have decided to focus in on the value of “Going Green” by utilizing recycled auto parts and identifying the inherent benefits that can be derived by each consumer at the same time. Going Green: The auto recyclers’ core function is to promote the re-use of auto parts and the benefits associated with the re-using of products is actually one step ahead of recycling in the, Reduce, Re-use, Recycle equation. As an automotive recycler I can genuinely say that the better
Parts we are at managing our operations and promoting “recycled” auto parts the more benefits we will be able to provide for society. Consumers will be happy to know that now more than ever before, we are now in a better position to provide these benefits, due in large part to the technology that has been made available for us. There are numerous ways in which to source recycled parts. The net result helps save our precious natural resources when our parts are considered as an option. The most profound way in which recycled auto parts have gained the necessary exposure that consumers are able to tap into is through the workings of a free service called www.Car-Part.com. This internet based system allows for the transparent listing of all 3000 participating auto recyclers inventory where anyone with a computer can search for parts and locate them in their local area and beyond. The value and significance of such a tool is fundamental in the promotion of recycled auto parts and the results will astound even the most experienced auto parts shopper. The process is very simple. Just go to their web site and select your year, make, model, and location and then follow the basic instructions. The level of ease in utilizing the site allows for quick and easy part searches and there is a great likelihood of finding your parts as the system has 105 million carparts listed! Perhaps the most seamless way in which any consumer can get involved in the procurement of recycled auto parts is to educate themselves as to the existing parts availability and the actual pricing of the part in their market. This provides consumers the power to make informed
cost saving part purchases to help keep their vehicle on the road! As a collective group, auto recyclers want to make sure that customers are satisfied with their parts purchases no matter where they choose to purchase them.
Going Green: The auto recyclers’ core function is to promote the reuse of auto parts and the benefits associated with the reusing of products is actually one step ahead of recycling in the, Reduce, Re-use, Recycle equation. During this downturn in the economy, doesn’t it make sense to try and source out the most economically feasible repair for your vehicle? The maintenance of our vehicles on the road is so important and consumers need to be aware of the options available to them and then they can truly make an informed decision. I thought about what would add the most value to the readership of The Driver Magazine and I realized that the
Car-Part.com website is the answer to used parts availability. Therefore exposing this “parts search tool” is the most beneficial piece of information I could document for your review. Another valuable reference for consumers is The Automotive Recyclers Association of Canada. It is the “association of associations” and all of the participating provincial trade associations are listed for your reference; their web site is www.autorecyclers.ca. In Ontario, try www.GoGreenParts.ca which will give you a detailed listing of all Ontario Auto Recyclers as well as provide you with more insight into the topic of Going Green! David Gold is the co-owner Wreckers of Standard Auto www.StandardAutoWreckers.com, a large buyer of used and older vehicles for parts and recycling purposes with locations in Toronto, ON and Niagara Falls, NY. The company’s primary business is the sale of used auto parts. Standard also accepts vehicles from the public with the proceeds being donated to their favourite charity. See www.CharityCars.ca for more details. David can be reached by phone at 416286-8686 or via e-mail at david@standardautowreckers.com. The Driver Magazine
Jan - Feb 2009
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2009
Car Review
Porsche 911 PDK
The Legend Puts on its Winter Boots and Heads North Justin Pritchard
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The Driver Magazine
Jan - Feb 2009
I
wouldn’t take my Porsche out in this weather!” said the girl working at the coffee shop where I pulled into the parking lot to await the looming snowstorm. My mission that evening was simple: find out how the legendary German sports car would handle a Northern Ontario snowstorm. The tester model equipped with winter tires, would travel highways 400 and 69 from Barrie to Sudburyand directly through what Ontarian motorists call the famous ‘snow belt’. “You have a Porsche?!” I asked the somewhat stunned girl at the counter. “No- I don’t own one. Wish I did though. But I certainly would not be driving it in this weather.” I smiled at her and coolly proceeded to order my coffee. Inside however I could hardly wait to see how the 911 Carrera would handle the snow. I waited nearly an hour before the snow started to fall. Slowly at first followed by thick, clumpy flakes that relentlessly assaulted the scenery. It was finally time. Hours of
back-road and highway driving in deep snow ensued. In addition to the stable rear-engine handling, a slick stability control system quickly neutralized wheel-spin and slippage before it became a problem-- though enough was allowed to maintain forward momentum as required.
The 911 Carrera accelerates and cruises in slippery conditions with relative confidence. It’s nowhere near being ‘all over the road’ or ‘scary’ as fellow motorists wondered at the gas station in Nobel. On the other hand, it’s not a Jeep Grand Cherokee, either. Traction never became an issue. Combined with careful driving and appropriate rubber, the 911 Carrera will tackle most any winter situation deftly. In fact, with the engine atop the drive wheels, the 911 gets moving along from a stop like your average front-drive sedan in the snow. There’s an all wheel drive model available too, called the 911 Carrera 4. The above mentioned are just two models in the extensive 911 range. For 2009, machinery therein has been updated with subtle new cosmetics in front and rear, as well as new interior features including a
slick radio and music interface. The timeless and ever-present 911 look is now accented by LED running-lights and xenon projectors to convey modernity. The latter are fitted with washers and provide exceptionally saturating nighttime illumination that glistens in the frost on branches and foliage. This looks like a million tiny camera flashes clicking away from the side of the road. Most appropriate given the looks at work. Most notable among the 911’s latest upgrades are the ones tucked under the rear bodywork. These consisted mainly of a newly direct-injected version of the brands 3.6 liter flat-six engine, as well as a pronunciation-defying
‘Porsche Doppel Kupplungsgetriebe (or ‘double-clutch’) gearbox. Please, call it PDK. The $5,560 transmission generates an uninterrupted power flow through the gears with obedient shifting at the touch of a button. Not the fastest transmission of its type, but very smooth and entertaining nonetheless. The tester married the PDK and direct injection technologies to put 345 horsepower on tap with fingertip control of the 7 gears. Power? Relentless. Smoothness? Oh, yes. The sound? A low hum building to a high-pitched shriek that could melt nearby snowmen and make your mother cuss. Mileage? Excellent. Highway consumption averaged under 10L / 100km- impressive in a machine that will glue its occupants to the seat on command - all day long. Power comes on swiftly at low revs, piling on sharply as the tachometer needle reaches Contʼd
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for the redline. It’s an invigorating power-curve, though the engine makes scarcely a peep when cruising along gently. It’s a forced state of relaxation, Driving the 911 in the snow. With no speeding or exploring the car’s limits possible, drivers are left to sit back and enjoy the comfortable heated leather seats, automatic climate control and punchy Bose stereo with satellite radio. Of course, this semi-supercar isn’t immune to skidding,nor to the wintertime annoyances that plague anything else on the road. Wipers still stick to the windshield, the engine sounds bothered when you start it cold, and it doesn’t sweep itself off. It’s light too, So if you’re looking for the planted feel of a two-ton SUV, you won’t find it here. 911 is perhaps not what some would call an ideal way to get around in the cold and brutal winter months especially as machines priced in and around the six-digit range go. It does, however, prove a beautiful driving experience that doesn’t need to be garaged 40 percent of the year.
2009 Porsche 911 Carrera PDK
E n g i n e : 3.6 liter flat six, 345 horsepower D r i v e t r a i n : rear-engine, rear wheel drive Transmission: 7-speed PDK dual-clutch with shift paddles F e a t u r e s : Bose audio, heated seats, xenon lights with washers, automatic climate control W h a t ’ s H o t : Looks, exclusivity, magnificent powertrain, excellent highway mileage, no need to store for winter W h a t ’ s N o t : Teensy back seat with multiple expensive options, Starting Price: $94,800
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Jan - Feb 2009
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Motor Vehicle Accidents: The Invisible Impact on the Human Psyche
H
Megan Pasche
ave you ever driven down a stretch of road, or passed an intersection that suddenly reminded you of the vivid details of the horrific car crash you were once involved in? Did it cause you to suddenly break out in a cold sweat, and you felt your heart pound rapidly in your chest? Have repeated flashbacks of the crash interrupted your day-to-day life? Do dreams and nightmares plague you throughout the night? Are you avoiding friends and family? Or perhaps you now have fears of other places or situations for no explainable reason? These are just a few examples of what some people struggle with after being involved in a motor vehicle accident and who develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, also commonly referred to as PTSD. Historically, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has been most associated with soldiers coming home from the war. It has been known throughout the years by many different names: soldier’s heart, shell shock, war neurosis, just to name a few. Though the truth is that returning soldiers make up just some of the millions of people worldwide who will develop PTSD. This disorder can actually develop after any traumatic event such as assaults, natural disasters,
shootings, or automobile accidents. The Canadian Mental Health Association notes that “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is caused by a psychologically traumatic event involving actual or threatened death or serious injury to oneself or others”. It is estimated that 1 in 10 Canadians suffer from PTSD, and it can affect anyone, young or old. Symptoms of PTSD usually begin to appear approximately three months after the traumatic incident. The most common symptom is the experience of flashbacks of the traumatic event, which can be triggered by various sights, sounds and smells. The person may then start to sweat excessively, become visibly distressed, and their heart rate could increase. Another symptom is the intentional withdrawal from family and friends. The person will generally tend to avoid any person or situation that reminds them of the incident. They also will often withdraw socially because they want to avoid having a PTSD episode in front of others - fear of onset in a public or social setting is another cause for their choice of social isolation. A third major symptom is known as hyperarousal. This means the person will have difficulty falling asleep, increased irritability and difficulty concentrating. Car accidents are perhaps the most frequent kind of trauma
people deal with today. We live in a world where driving is often a necessity of daily life. But along with driving comes the risk of being involved in a car accident. According to Statistics Canada (Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics Report: 2004); there were over 300,000 collisions reported in Canada in 2004. And although our country is a relatively safe place to drive in comparison to other countries around the world, that same year there were 148,866 collisions involving personal injuries of which 17,533 were seriously injured. Given that about half of the people involved in these accidents are at higher risk for developing PTSD, highlights the prevalence of this condition in our current society. Dr. Edward Hickling from the University of Albany, State University of New York, and Capital Psychological Associates in Albany, specializes in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and motor vehicle accidents. He notes that many people involved in a motor vehicle accident likely develop PTSD, but do not seek treatment because it is not widely accepted. Dr Hickling went on to say that the other reasons people fail to get treatment is that “they need to deal with more pressing issues in the first month like getting physically better, getting the car fixed, returning to work, etc. There is a lot of pressure for people to not look as if they were psychologically affected. This is unfortunate because people will suffer emotionally when there are very effective treatments available”. The most effective way to deal with the symptoms of PTSD is the participation in cognitive-behavioral treatments, group therapy sessions or exposure therapy. Patients will discuss the trauma, write about it, and learn to become comfortable driving a car again. These sessions help the affected person think about the trauma in a healthier way, and relive the experience in a controlled environment. If you or anyone you know have experienced a trauma, and are noticing persistent symptoms that last longer than a month, it is best to seek professional help as soon as possible. PTSD can have a major impact on your day to day living and functionality, and without proper treatment it can lead to secondary conditions thereby adversely affecting the person’s life on a social, professional and personal level. Seeking help in the early stages of onset is highly recommended to enable the person to work through the associated issues and regain their life back. The Driver Magazine
Jan - Feb 2009
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The Driver Magazine M a y - J u n e 2 0 0 7
Legal Edge
COMPENSATION FOR THOSE INJURED IN CAR CRASHES
Road Test Tips Sam Adewale
Lawrence H. Mandel
I would like to thank “The Driver”, for asking me to share my knowledge and experience as a personal injury lawyer with you and its readers. Over the next year, I am going to write a column that provides you with information and insight into your rights and remedies arising from injuries caused by car accidents. I, myself, have been practicing with the law firm of Thomson, Rogers for over 45 years. I have acted for victims of airplane crashes, train derailments, dangerous products, victims of medical malpractice, and I have represented survivors of serious car accidents. When I was asked by “The Driver” to write some articles I was very flattered. The editors asked for my insights and experience thinking that many of you want to know more about the issues and that general sources of useful information may be hard to come by.
There is no doubt that car accident litigation has become a highly specialized field of practice. Successive Provincial Governments have significantly changed the laws dealing with car accidents on numerous occasions. Each successive change in the law has resulted in different, and often fewer, rights for victims. It is not my intention to go into detail and describe all of these different laws here. The fact is that the law is complicated and often makes little sense to the average person trying to figure out what rights they have. However, just to give you an idea of what obtaining compensation is all about, let me briefly outline who can claim, and who can be responsible when cars collide on the road. Obviously, a driver of a car, a passenger in a car, or a pedestrian, can claim for personal injuries or economic damages caused by a collision. Their right of recovery extends not just from the driver who caused the accident, but also from the owner of the car. In Ontario, owners of cars are by law responsible for negligence of any driver of their car operating it with their consent. As well, “Family Law Act claimants”, such as the fathers and mothers of the victim, are entitled to claim for damages for the “loss of care, comfort, guidance and companionship” from the injured person. What is always interesting is whether there are other reasons as to “why” an accident came about. For example, if the other car that caused the accident was defective, and the defect caused the accident, then the negligence of the mechanic and/or the service station and/or even the manufacturer could result in a finding of negligence against them. Municipalities and government entities can be liable for failing to salt and sand the road, or for not ensuring that the road is safe for drivers to use. Taverns have a statutory obligation not to intoxicate patrons and can be found liable for providing liquor to a customer who subsequently drives his/her car and causes an injury to a victim. A streetcar or bus operator (Toronto Transit Commission) can be liable for driving the streetcar or the bus in such a way as to make passengers, who are standing, fall down and suffer injury. Most, if not all, of these entities are insured, and their insurers provide legal defences to those who might be sued. In addition, Ontario has no-fault car insurance, which will be a topic for the next issue that I will discuss.
TH E TH R E E PO IN T T U RN Both Andrew and Cynthia failed their road test because they weren’t able to successfully execute a three point turn. It sounds like a simple manoeuver, However it is a task that must be practiced and mastered. Often new drivers see the three point turn as a simple U turn, especially when they have enough space to make the turn. A lot of students take this move for granted, and pay no attention to this skill because it’s simple - but a lot of marks are being taken away during the test when it is not completed properly. The question is, how do you do a three-point turn? Here are some step by step instructions to make it easy.
• When you’ve checked to make sure the traffic is clear, signal to the right and pull your car over to the side of the road at a very even speed - not too fast and not too slow.
• Check to make sure there is no traffic coming, and then signal to the left to start your manoeuver, and proceed when the road is clear.
• You are arcing your vehicle to the left, towards the opposite side of the road. When you’re close to the curb, stop, make sure the way is clear, signal to the right, steer your car to the right and of course check left, right and back for on coming cars before moving. You are now moving your car in reverse and making a 90 degree turn. Remember. If you are in reverse you must be looking in the direction your car is travelling, with occasional checks to the front and sides for oncoming traffic.
• Once you’ve backed up enough that your vehicle is now pointing in the opposite direction to where you started, you now stop, check left, right and back again for oncoming traffic, and, of course, change your signal to the left again. You will now proceed to move your car into the driving lane and continue travelling in the opposite direction to which you started, at an appropriate speed.
There are three stages in three-point turn, the approach, turn around and resume. All stages are graded on your test. There are many facets to each step and if completed properly, it will give the examiner more confidence in your driving ability. Remember in making a three point turn you need to signal three times, turn your car in three directions, and frequently check the three directions that the car is not presently travelling in, for oncoming traffic - all while performing this maneuver safely. Good luck! And watch out for more Road Test Tips in our March edition. The Driver Magazine
Jan - Feb 2009
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Motorcycle News
Harley-Davidson
M Glen Konorowski
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otorcycling has made a big comeback over the past ten years. Much of that revival is due in part that those who rode in the sixties, seventies and now again, have the time and money to recapture some of the fun they had in their youth. As we all know, if you wanted comfort and power a big motorcycle was your only option. But, what if you just can’t muscle that kind of weight anymore? One manufacturer who has addressed this problem is Harley-Davidson with
their new Tri Glide trike. Like the name implies this is a three wheeled motorcycle that has be specifically designed to make cruising easy and enjoyable without you having to take out a second mortgage to afford one. Up until now, getting a tike was a slightly complex affair, starting with getting your own bike and converting it or going to a specialty manufacturer and getting one. Then there is the age-old question of, “where do you get service for your now custom trike”?
The new Tri Glide is based loosely on the Ultra Classic Electra Glide line of models but features some changes in design to compensate for its three-wheeled design
changes are intended to cut down on deceleration wobble plus help minimize the steering feedback on less smoother roads. Outback driving the rear wheels, Harley-Davidson decided not to design a new drive system but to go with their proven belt-drive system. The belt goes back to an aluminum center section of which drive shafts extend and drive the wheels. Keeping everything nice and simple, power for the Tri Glide comes from a Port Fuel Injected 103cu. in V-twin air-cooled engine with 101ft.lbs. of torque at 3500rpm. (Harley never gives horsepower figures). Piping the exhaust to the rear is a split system from the motor back into a single pipe under the frame to a dual exhaust exiting from under the rear box. The transmission is a 6-speed manual with an optional reverse, which is a must in my books. Stopping the Trike is a Brembo double disc brake on the front wheel and a twin Hayes disc setup on the rear with a parking brake. Styling is fairly conservative, with all aluminum spoked alloy wheels, composite Bat-wing front fairing and trunk. A nice feature on the trunk is the use of separate rear fenders over the wheels. This allows for easy repair in the future, unlike many other custom trike makers where the trunk and fenders are all molded together. Giving the Trike that bit of a hot-rodded look at the rear are 205/65R15 tires, while the front is a standard Electra Glide 16-inch motorcycle tire. Being a top of the line model, the Tri Glide is quite well equipped.
The list starts with: Full instrumentation 80-watt Harman-Kardon Advanced Audio System 40-watt CB radio with intercom system Cruise control and Dual shorty antennas.
The new Tri Glide is based loosely on the Ultra Classic Electra Glide line of models but features some changes in design to compensate for its three-wheeled design. First off, the front forks have been lengthened 1-ž inches (4.5cm) as well as an increased in the rack a little from 29.25 to 32 degrees. For added stability a steering damper has been added. These
On the comfort side of things, a one-piece two-up Electra Glide seat is used with passenger backrest/storage box. Rider amenities also include adjustable vented lower fairings and floorboards. Once on the move the Tri Glide should please those who really like, to travel with a trunk that will hold 6.5 cu. ft. (.2 cu. m.) weighing up to 80pounds (36.3Kg.). To make sure you get to where you’re going the Tri-Glide has a generous 6-gallon (22.6L.) fuel tank. The estimated fuel consumption is 4.9l per 100km highway and 7.13L per 100km. around town. I think Harley Davidson has a winner here. Motorcycling has become a popular form of recreation that some of us have never outgrown. Even with a $34,000 price tag ($1330 for optional reverse) may seem hefty, but for those who want comfort or just can’t move a big cruiser around anymore this is a dream come true.
The Driver Magazine
Jan - Feb 2009
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Legal Edge
DO N’ T D RIN K AN D DR IVE ! BUT IF CH AR G ED…
David Anber
W
ith the holiday season upon us, most of us will be attending gettogethers with friends, family and co-workers. It is most unfortunate that at this time of year, we also see an increase in drinking and driving related charges. This month’s article deals with explaining some of the issues which surround a drinking and driving investigation. For starters, I remember in my early 20’s I had a friend who thought he had the perfect solution: “If I ever get pulled over” he said, “I’ll just tell the officer I’m coming from a bar!” See, according to my friend, no person who had actually been drinking, would honestly tell a police officer that he was coming from a bar. My friend’s logic, however, isn’t accurate. If somebody seems sober, but the officer still wants to check to see if the person is under the influence, he needs to have a reasonable basis for thinking that the person has alcohol in them, even if just a little. Telling an officer you just came from a bar, will often result in him concluding that you have some alcohol in you. 18
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So let’s say you’re at the side of the road and an officer requests you to provide a breath sample. You are required by law to provide a suitable sample. The status of Canadian law is that, at this point, you are not entitled to speak to a lawyer/paralegal.
If you are arrested you can be charged with one of the following offences (or both) “Impaired Driving” or “Driving over the Legal Limit”. Many people are charged with both, but not always. But keep in mind that the test is supposed to be done right away. If, for whatever reason, the police cannot proceed right away (for example, if the device is broken and they have to call another officer to bring a replacement), you are entitled to ask to speak to a lawyer during this delay.
The chance is likely, that the officer will say no, but it is important that you make the request. Also, if you have a cellular phone, or if you have the lawyer’s phone number (or both), it is important for you to let the officer know that you are in a position to contact your representative of choice. Recent changes to Canadian Law also allow the officer to require you to perform some physical coordination tests. Such tests may include walking a straight line and standing on one leg. If you are asked to perform these tests, once again, you must comply by law. Take a mental note of the ground condition (for example; observe if the ground is uneven, as even a sober person might trip over themselves!). After all of this, if you blow a “fail” (which means, according to the machine, you are clearly above the legal limit of .08), then you will be arrested and brought to the station. If you blow a “warn” which means you are not clearly above the legal limit, but you have more than .05 alcohol in your body, your licence will be suspended for 12 hours.
If you are arrested you can be charged with one of the following offences (or both): “Impaired Driving” or “Driving over the Legal Limit”. Many people are charged with both, but not always. For example, if you appear visibly drunk, but once arriving at the police station you blow into the breathalyzer there and you are below the limit, then they will not charge you with being over the legal limit, but they will still say you were driving while your ability appeared to be affected by your drinking. On the other hand, they can even charge a seemingly sober person, if at the station the person receives a breathalyzer reading of over the legal limit. Once at the station, there are limited options you have. Here are three things you should do: First, you should make sure to ask to speak to a lawyer of your choice (they will give you a list if you don’t know anybody). The lawyer will explain a few things and remind you that you must provide a breath sample if requested. (Keep in mind there are exceptions if you have a serious medical condition, or if you know the machine is broken etc.) Second, don’t say anything; don’t even discuss your situation with anybody else who may also have been arrested. Third, once you leave the police station, take detailed notes of everything you remember, everything that was said, everything you ate and drank that day/night, and all the times you can recall. Lastly, the new recent changes to the law also place an emphasis on charging drivers who drive while under the influence of any drug. The physical coordination tests discussed above also apply to for the detection of impairment by drug. If arrested, the police may also seize a sample of saliva, urine, or even blood (under the direction of a medical practitioner). In the end the most important thing to remember is to, avoid drinking and driving. It will save you the hassle described above, and it will keep our roads safer. David Anber is a licenced paralegal who has successfully fought numerous alcohol related driving charges. If you have any questions, call 24hrs/day at 1-888-989-3946 or e-mail ask@DavidAnber.com. Visit David on the web at www.DavidAnber.com This article does not reflect the views of The Driver Magazine, or its sponsors. David Anber is an independent agent representing traffic offenders in Ontario courts.
Introducing the new “HIT & RUN” Section Maxine Marz
The Driver Magazine is proud to announce the launch of the “Hit & Run Section” commencing in 2009. In this section there will be two distinctive regular columns featured in each issue.
The first column will include an interview with a “Survivor” of a hit & run and/or of the victims’ family members. Our goal is to provide a channel for these courageous people to voice their ordeal, highlight the resiliency of their human spirit and to detail their journey to recovery following the “Hit & Run” tragedy. This column is not intended to sensationalize or exploit those victimized by a Hit & Run. Rather to highlight their courage and determination needed to persevere and rebuild their lives following a Hit & Run tragedy. The second column will detail two “Hit & Run Crimes” that remain unsolved in the GTA. The goal of publishing information about these heinous and cowardly crimes is to gain the assistance of our readers and the general public who might have important information that will lead to the apprehension of the perpetrators.
The Driver Magazine is proud to announce its new partnership with Metropolitan Toronto Police Services and Crime Stoppers commencing January 2009. By working together we aim to bring needed closure and sense of justice to the survivors, its victims and their families. Anyone with information about these unsolved Hit & Run crimes is asked to contact Metro Toronto Police, Traffic Services Communications Office, Sergeant Tim Burrows via email at: Timothy.Burrows@torontopolice.on.ca or by phone at: 416-808-1920. Alternatively, anyone with information about the featured Hit & Run crimes who want to remain anonymous can also contact Crime Stoppers in full confidence, as their identity will never be disclosed and they will not be asked to testify in a court of law.
CRIME STOPPERS’ MISSION STATEMENT Crime Stoppers is a partnership of the public, police and media that provides the community with a pro-active program for people to assist the police anonymously to solve crimes and, thereby, to contribute to an improved quality of life. How Crime Stoppers Works: Anyone who knows someone responsible for a crime or has information that will assist investigators, can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You never have to identify yourself or testify in court. If the tip leads to an arrest, you may earn a cash reward of up to $2,000. People providing information get a secret code number. Calls are not recorded and no one involved with Crime Stoppers knows the identity of the callers. Crime Stoppers doesn’t have call display.
Who Operates Crime Stoppers? Crime Stoppers is a federally registered charity and is a “Community Program”, not a police program. A group of concerned citizens volunteer to serve on the Board of Directors to oversee the program. Board members meet regularly to manage and promote the program, raise funds and authorize reward payments. The Toronto Police Service provides a coordinator to manage the day-to-day operations and police officers to promote the School Crime Stoppers program. The rewards paid by Toronto Crime Stoppers are not financed through tax dollars. All money required to support the program must be raised through individual and corporate support. How to Contact Crime Stoppers: Talk, Type, or Text Submitting a Tip by Phone: Call Nationally in Canada: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) Call Locally in Toronto: 416-222-TIPS (8477)
Submitting a Tip Online: Visit www.222tips.com
Submitting a Tip by Text Message: Key in: “TOR” + your message and send it to CRIMES (274637) For a direct “Active Link” visit: www.222tips.com The Driver Magazine
Jan - Feb 2009
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Safety & Security
W
Justin Pritchard
inter’s here- and even in her frigid, subzero depths, drivers expect nothing other than business as usual from their cars, trucks and SUV’s. For a look at how carmakers ensure flawless performance from their products in even the nastiest winter conditions, Justin Pritchard spoke with Chrysler’s Aero-Thermal Development Team (ATDT) to get the scoop on cold weather testing. 20
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JP: Where is cold weather testing performed? Is it possible to measure the effects of extreme cold on car parts in a controlled indoor facility? ATDT: Cold test sites include Bemidji, Cass Lake and International Falls in Minnesota as well as Thompson, Manitoba; Inuvik, Northwest Territories; various sites in Alaska.
It is not only possible but desirable to test in a controlled indoor facility. If performance issues are discovered, they can be accurately reproduced to test “fixes” as they are developed, rather than having to hope for the identical conditions to be provided by Mother Nature. We’ve never had a moose run out in front of a vehicle in our test chamber, a distinct advantage
of testing indoors! JP: Are some vehicle components more sensitive to extreme cold than others?
ATDT: Batteries are quite sensitive to extreme cold and can lose a significant portion of their capacity when exposed. Adhesives and plastics have their limits too. One engineer recalls a cold trip where it reached -50F overnight. In the morning, all of the body side rub strips were laying on the parking lot because the adhesive had failed. JP: How does the cold affect a vehicle’s fuel mileage?
ATDT: During the initial start up of an engine in extreme cold, fluids are
thicker which makes the engine work harder. In addition, the fuel/ air ratio needs to be enriched until the engine begins to warm up. Modern electronic controls take into account many operating conditions, including outside temperature, and make adjustments to engine parameters to ensure optimum performance. Owner’s can maximize their fuel economy in extreme cold by driving moderately until the engine warms up. JP: I’ve been called for an emergency at 4 am. It’s 40 below, I don’t let the engine warm up, and I accelerate at full throttle the instant it turns over. That’s’ really bad news for the motor. Are there preventative measures taken to ensure such abuse doesn’t cause extensive damage?
ATDT: It’s not wise to force an engine to deliver maximum performance without giving all fluids a chance to start warming up and circulate. You should drive moderately until the engine warms up, but some vehicles include control strategies that limit engine output until certain operating conditions are achieved. The best practice is to drive moderately during the warm up period. Just think of an athlete stretching before a workout.
To To Advertise Advertise Call: Call: 416-398-6444 416-398-6444
JP: Can you share any specific exercises that vehicles are put through in cold weather testing?
ATDT: Vehicles are “soaked” at a very cold temperature for a period long enough for all fluids and parts to reach the same (cold) temperature. Typical cold tests are cold start and heater warm up with juries, made up of normal people who get in the cold vehicle and then rate their comfort level as the vehicle warms up.
We also start the vehicle and drive away, to assess powertrain performance. There are some federally mandated tests to assess defroster performance. Sometimes we do “snow packing” tests where we assess the affect of snow being ingested into the underhood environment. We can make it snow indoors (and rain or sleet too), so all of these tests can be done at our test facility. JP: What’s a day in the life of an engineer on a cold weather testing assignment like?
ATDT: When the engineers go out on a cold trip, they awake at 3am to make sure all of the data recording equipment is ready to go. Then they jump into vehicles that have been sitting out all night in the cold and begin their testing. Sometimes it doesn’t get cold enough and testing has to resume another day. The test facilities at the Chrysler Technology Center make it possible to have cold miserable days anytime of the year, even in the summer. Having the ability to simulate real world conditions will help us meet our promise of “Customer First” and “Quality Period”.
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r a e F The Five
of … s r e t il F y h t Fi l why
, o d y e ? h e t u d o d y e t a h t e Wh r a n e h w and There are FIVE vital filters in your vehicle:
E ng i ne O i l Fi l t e r E n g i n e Ai r F i l t e r E ng i ne Fue l Fi l t e r A ut o Tr a n sm i s si o n F i l t e r C a b i n -D u s t & P o l l e n A i r F i l t e r
Mohammad (Shah) Shahzad S.A.E; DMP Automotive Engineer/ Doctor of Motors
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S
imilar to the way clean air, water and germ-free foods are essential to your long and healthy life, having clean filtered air and dirt free fuel and oil is important for your vehicle’s performance and trouble-free long life. Your vehicle uses different types of filters to clean oil, fuel, air for the engine, and even the air you breathe. These filters are designed to keep harmful particles from your vehicle, helping to ensure long-lasting performance by keeping parts clean and maintaining unrestricted flow. Each type of filter protects the operation of different areas in your vehicle. Regular filter maintenance is essential. By the time a filter shows that it needs replacement, it usually is too late! See your owner’s manual for a maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer.
Oi l Fil ter:
Oil is the life blood of your engine and protects it against friction, wear and damage. Oil is constantly being contaminated with carbon, moisture, gases and microscopic metallic grit. When these contaminants accumulate in the filter, it will eventually become clogged and will restrict the oil from keeping clean and the free flow in the engine‘s lubrication system. Oil filters are essential to an engine’s function. They protect the interior of the engine by removing harmful abrasives such as carbon, sand, dust and bits of metal before they can reach critical engine parts and wear out the engine, causing major engine breakdown. Oil filters, along with your engine oil, should be replaced often. Generally, it is recommended to replace them at every 5,000 KM or 4 months which ever comes first. An engine’s oil and filter are two of the least expensive items to replace in an engine, but if neglected they can cause some of the most costly repairs!
Air fil te r:
The air filter is a vital part of your e n g i n e ’ s respiratory system. Over time, dirt clogs the air filter, can suffer from
and your engine “asthma”. The air filter’s main function is to help keep the proper mix of clean filtered air and fuel in the engine. It prevents harmful dirty particles from entering your engine and causing damage. It
cleans up to 24,000 liters of air per hour when driving 60kmh. An air filter eventually becomes clogged with trapped particles. A clogged filter starves your engine for air, permits unburned rich fuel to enter into the engine which ends up in the oil sump, reducing engine oil lubrication quality, causing excessive engine wear, sluggish performance and poor fuel economy. An air filter is located in the induction passage inside the black box (fuel injected system) and its job is to feed cleaned air via the throttle body to the combustion chamber for proper ignition. It is very easy to check. Just turn on your high beams and a place filter in front of them to see if light is passing through it. If you can’t see the light that means it’s time to replace the filter. It should be inspected at every oil change and replaced every 18 months or 36,000 km, depending on road, weather and driving conditions. A new filter can provide 4 - 5 per cent better gas mileage and engine performance.
Fuel Filters:
Fuel is an engine’s food and its purity is v e r y important, just as pure food is for your health. This is fulfilled by the fuel system which mixes air and fuel in proper ratio and injects it into the engine through inlet ports for a complete combustion with the help of injectors and spark plugs. Fuel filters help ensure the delivery of clean fuel from the gas tank to the engine by stopping contaminants such as rust, water, corrosion and dirt from entering the carburetor (old model cars), throttle body, injectors, fuel pump, and parts that could be damaged by foreign matters. Impurities in the gas tank can also cause the filter to clog and restrict fuel flow, leading to problems such as hard starting, stalling or even injector failure and poor engine performance. A fuel filter is normally located inside or over the fuel tank pickup tube. It is recommended that you buy brand
name gas with the proper grade (see your owner’s manual for details on fuel grade and replacement intervals). Generally, it’s suggested that you replace the in-line fuel filter every 2 years or 48,000 km to avoid unexpected engine problems.
Auto T ransmi ssi on Fil ter:
Transmission oil is also a life blood for your car, serving m u l t i p l e purposes. It lubricates internal parts and also transmits power by hydraulic shifting. Bits of metal, friction material, water condensation, dust and other substances can circulate through the hydraulic system. The filter can be contaminated with harmful foreign matter after prolonged operation, causing premature wear or major transmission breakdown. This filter is located inside the transmission oil pan. Some selected manufacturers have a magnetic drain plug which attracts all metals fine particles and holds them until service time. However, it is generally recommended that you service your transmission with oil and filter replacement (if equipped) every tow years or 48,000 km. Some vehicle manufacturers suggest only to drain, fill and flush, as required. See your maintenance schedule for details.
C a b i n - D u st & P o l l e n A i r F il t e r
Many vehicle owners don’t even realize that they have a cabin air filter, much less if it ever needs to be replaced. However, your cabin air filter provides a very important service to the driver and passengers in this age of increasing global pollution. Have you ever driven behind a smoky car and experienced the change in cabin air quality and smell? Then you need to replace your cabin filter!
Your car’s ventilation system is a breeding ground for a wide variety of microbes, including mould, bacteria and germs. When you turn your ventilation fan on, these microorganisms are blown into the passenger compartment and inhaled by you and your family. This poses a potentially harmful health problem, especially for people with respiratory sensitivities and for children. Hence a cabin air filter is an integral part of your vehicle’s ventilation system that removes pollutants from the air before they get inside your vehicle. They can also clog a vehicle’s heating and A/C cooling system, reducing performance. Periodic replacement of a cabin air filter is a quick and inexpensive way to protect the inside air of vehicle from unwanted airborne particles. Cabin air filters are typically located under a vehicle’s dashboard or attached to the glove box. Others may be located in the engine compartment. You should replace your cabin air filter as soon as possible if interior air smells musty or moldy. Your cabin air filter should be inspected on every oil change and replaced once a year or every 24,000km or earlier, depending on road and environmental conditions.
Ho w t o c lean ca bin air :
Turn your fan ON at high speed, drawing outside air in (not in recirculation mode). Aim all directionals to the centre of the vehicle. Turn on your A/C control and ensure that all of your windows are closed. Now take an aerosol household germ killer and spray it on the outside air vents below the front windshield. This will draw the germ killer through the filter and clear and kill all germs that cause odor in the cabin through the ventilation system. You can also choose an air freshener instead of a disinfectant spray to bring fragranced air into your car’s cabin. This simple task will improve in-car air quality for you and your whole family. Regular automotive filter maintenance spares you the expense of avoidable and unexpected major repairs, saves you money and adds more trouble-free years to your vehicle. The Driver Magazine
Jan - Feb 2009
23
Celebrity Corner
MIRIAM TIKOTIN
Puts Music Into High Gear Toronto’s Ver y Own Soprano Singer Shares Her XFE Musical Experience Robert Saffer
L
ike the total overhaul of any fine automobile, some of us are quickly swept up by grand ambition. Driving her Peugeot 206 up the steep hills of Haifa eight years ago, Miriam Tikotin did what most of us merely dream of doing but rarely dare to do. She exited a promising career as an electrical engineer in search of not just a dream, but to fulfill what her soul was yearning. According to Miriam, “Music was calling and it had me on speed dial”. Miriam recalls that as soon as people left the room at work, a voice would spring from the soulfulness of an unordered design. It wasn't until others came back into the room that the inspiring diva even realized she had been singing, sometimes alone for hours. So at the ripe age of thirty, the Israeli born soprano singer packed up her circuit boards and schematic diagrams to study music full time in order to join the opera circuit. “Music and singing was always part of my life, and things kept happening to steer me to the next stage where I belonged. Soon there was no time to work”, recalls Miriam. From piano lessons to ensembles, she had intended only to take one year off to transfer her knowledge of engineering by studying voice and sound waves and
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adapting musical theory to fit reality. She found that there was a harmony flowing with time that kept her alert to every moment. Pretty soon a new world began to emerge, “but not too different from engineering, a little more bohemian perhaps.” Feeling the pressure to succeed, she returned to sheet music, to the original versions to find her own interpretations while using her classical training to get closer to her roots. “I began seeing the notes, not just hearing them or thinking about the music.” During my interview with Miriam, I got a taste of this inspirational drive within her especially when she leaped from a low-lining verse into a high-pitched chorus that could move an entire stadium to sing along with her. Miriam’s philosophy of success is simple, quoting violinist Jascha Heifetz, "If I don't practice one day, I know it; two days, the critics know it; three days, the public knows it." She's been in Toronto for just over a year preparing programs in various languages. Her past performances have been incredibly received and have touted her as the new and upcoming female version of Andrea Bocelli. Although she immediately and humbly discounted this compliment by saying, “I don’t see myself
as a female Bocelli. Rather I just try to reach out to my audiences and maybe I'm less of a snob in the ranks of classical musicians.” As an inspired teacher, she is on a mission to transform classical music into the mainstream by making it more accessible to the average person. Talking with Miriam, one quickly gets the impression of, “it's not necessary to have the entire dealership in the orchestra, just a few good models”. Miriam was drawn to Canada by the teaching methods of The Royal Conservatory of Music and was not interested in discussing politics in the Middle East during her interview, except to say that it brings a lot of emotions to bear and singing without a message is pointless. Raised by Dutch parents, she sings in eleven languages, including French, German, Hebrew, Slovak, Spanish and Tagalog – a dialect close to Filipino. Her favourite is Italian. And if you never saw the comparisons between driving and Opera, Tikotin
has perfected a teaching philosophy, an Extra Fuel Efficient (XFE) turbocharged system of sorts, one she shares with all her students to significantly improve their overall performance. It is equivalent to having a good vocal ride; cruising the ideal vowel and winding through tight passages. Its success has even been approved by the Toronto District School Board. According to Miriam, “There are different registers in the voice, like gears of a car, you have to get them to resonate. What's your gas? What's your energy? It’s your breath! It’s the air.” The air is the gas, the jump is the break in your voice and you have to use the clutch for constant air flow. For Miriam singing opera is an acquired taste like wine and she doesn’t suggest sampling either while driving. On a concluding 'note', she states, “I won't drive and sing at the same time. For this very reason I favour the new cell phone law, because talking while driving can be too distracting and it’s simply not for me.” But before Miriam drives away in her electric blue dream Porsche, she'll first have to make time to get her Ontario driving license. This leaves me to wonder if her passion for singing will surface while she enthusiastically waits in line at the driving test centre. To find out about Miriam, Tikotin’s upcoming concerts, to book her as a soprano singer for your next event or for more information on voice lessons and music theory please visit www.miriamtikotin.com. The Driver Magazine
Jan - Feb 2009
25
Travel Exploration
Romantic Escapes on Recapture Your Passion:
Valentine’s Day
Anya Wassenberg
G
etting away from the demands of everyday life can be the best St. Valentine’s Day gift of all. Who needs diamonds when you’ve got the precious gift of time together? Your tastes might direct you to quiet woodlands and lakes, far from the maddening crowds, so where you can stop and get reacquainted. For others, perhaps some upscale downtown adventure is just what is desired. Whether it is the cityscape or countryside, you don’t have to go far to find the perfectly romantic mid-winter escape. With fine linens, attentive service, and a French chef on 5,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the Haliburton Highlands, the Domain of Killien offers a unique experience in getting away from it all. Founded in 1981 by an aristocratic French family after medieval French wildlife preserves, accommodations are available in five rooms in the main lodge, a wonderfully maintained historic log cabin, or in seven different private chalets. Let the snow pile outside, you’ll be snug in down duvets and featherbeds, with a towel warmer to ease your way out of a 26
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Jan - Feb 2009
warm shower. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with a décor that combines a charming woody country feel with crisp white linens and upscale appointments. Fireplace and Jacuzzi suites are available, and every room enjoys open views of the unspoiled wilderness of the estate. The property includes a lake with a sandy beach for swimming and boating, and during the winter (weather permitting), ice skating is an option if you packed your skates. Your stay can be one of indolent luxury, from the fresh baked croissants in the morning to mouthwatering classic French gourmet fare at dinnertime, (prepared with organic and/or local ingredients,) or you can intersperse the elegant noshings with bouts of outdoor activity. The estate boasts excellent cross country skiing trails – 28 km of them – with hiking and snowshoeing. Equipment is available to guests free of charge. A winterized cabin is also available to all guests as a stop on outdoor adventures, located on the property on Delphis Lake. If your adventures take you to the urban jungle instead, you’ll love the slick, big city style of Toronto’s Pantages Hotel. The city’s downtown hotel scene has matured in recent years to include a number of chic boutique hotels. But the Pantages cuts a path of its own. The décor is elegant and very contemporary, with clean lines and warm neutral colours, and that relaxing feel pervades the hotel. You’ll sleep on 400 thread count Egyptian cotton linens, and on the Serenity floor, all rooms feature yoga mats, air purifiers, Jacuzzi style jet bathtubs and other restful options. The Pantages Spa takes up 9,000 square feet of the building, offering stone and other calming therapies. There are a variety of hotel/spa packages available, with romantic escapes that include wine, chocolates and more. Located in the heart of downtown, you won’t go far to theatres, a score of restaurants, nightclubs and other night life options. Even when the weather is at its most uninviting, the Pantages offers its hip, shiny Martini Bar, serving up cool cocktails with DJs and live jazz weekends to turn up the heat and shake those hips, even if just in your seat. For more info Visit: www.domainofkillien.com
I
often get the chance to speak with many drivers across Ontario, and Canada, to discuss their favourite topic and Scott Marshall mine; driving. Of the more than 23 million drivers in Canada; of which over 9 million drivers are in Ontario, most people say they are good drivers. I ask them why they believe they are good drivers and they say they’ve only had a couple of tickets and no crashes. Does having only a few tickets make you a good driver? Is it normal to receive a few tickets in the history of your driving, or should you be ticket free to call yourself a good driver? We have to remember that driving is a privilege and not a given right. It also is a privilege that can be revoked at any time. If you abuse it, it’s gone. Our roads are regularly monitored by the police and if you’re caught doing something wrong, you will be punished for your carelessness. If you’re lucky, it will only be a warning or perhaps just a minor fine. However, if you’re not so lucky, you’ll receive demerit points. In Ontario you begin your driving career with zero demerit points and as you break the rules, you’ll receive points on your license. Think of it as a penalty in hockey. You begin the game with zero penalty minutes and as you incur violations, you gain penalty minutes. When I speak with drivers about their demerit points they often shrug it off and say the police officer would not consider reducing their driving infraction to help them avoid receipt of demerit points. They say this as if they are disappointed with the officer who pulled them over. It is really baffling why people automatically assume that the police should reduce their penalty.
Demerit Points… Or Merit Points? After all, if you were the person making the mistake, what makes you feel entitled to a break and avoid being penalized? You need to face the fact that you made a mistake and got caught. It’s often a conscious act when you decide to speed, roll through a stop, etc. If you try to get away with something, you’ll eventually get caught. Hopefully it will happen soon enough before someone gets hurt. And remember, ignorance of the law is no excuse for making these mistakes.
So what are the consequences of receiving demerit points?
The first form of punishment is the fine and the accumulation of points. Some tickets only have fines and no demerit points, such as speeding up to 15 km/h over the speed limit. Once you receive demerit points, they stay on your license for two years from the date the infraction occurred. Once you receive a total of 6 demerit points on your license, you’ll receive a letter warning you that your driving privilege is in jeopardy. If you can’t change your poor driving habits, or you don’t want to change them, then you may receive more points with another infraction. Once you receive a total of 9 demerit points, you’ll have to go into the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) for an interview to explain why your license should not be suspended. It’s time to swallow your pride here. You may be asked to do a road test or see me as you take a Driver Improvement Course or a Defensive Driving Course at Young Drivers of Canada. Oh, and in case you are wondering, you will be responsible for covering the cost of taking this course. So technically, the overall cost involved includes paying the fine resulting from demerit points and the cost of the driving course. Also your car insurance rates will likely
increase thereby adding to your overall expense for being a careless driver. If you get away from the interview Scott-free (no pun intended), you will still be under the gun to drive safely. Once you receive a total of 15 demerit points, you’ll automatically receive a 60 days driving suspension. That means – two months without driving! And if you think that you can still drive while under suspension, think again. If you get caught, it comes with a criminal offense, a fine and higher insurance rates. Should you be involved in a collision while under suspension, your insurance company will not honour the claim since you were not covered under their policy while driving under the suspension. This means that you will have to pay for the damages out of your own pocket. If sued for these damages, it could spell financial ruin! So the next time you decide to roll through a stop sign or run a red light, try to consider the following questions:
How would losing your driver’s license affect your life? How would you get to work? How would you shop for groceries? How would you take your kids to their activities? Could losing your license affect your job?
After all, being in a hurry because you slept in, does not justify speeding or careless driving. If caught, you will likely have to deal with the long term consequences that will negatively impact your life on a personal and financial level. The bottom line is this; treat your license as a privilege and not a right. The only right you have is the right to attempt to get and keep the license. The Ontario government also has the right to take it away from you if you break the rules too many times. If you’re going to play the game of driving, you need to play by the rules. The Driver Magazine
Jan - Feb 2009
27
Fashion File
Touch of Driving gloves have become a fashion statement for those want to invest into looking cool and feeling hot. Laura Ashdown
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W
hen driving gloves first appeared on the scene they were a necessity, providing the wearer with a firm grip on the smooth wooden steering wheels which were standard at the time. Cars were unheated and air conditioning unheard of: the gloves kept hands warm on cold days and prevented sweaty palms from slipping off the wheel during scorching heat spells. Oh, how times have changed! With the advent of rubber and leather-covered steering wheels, not to mention grooves to place fingers for a further-enhanced grip, driving gloves have become more of a fashion accessory than a safety precaution. Simply put, driving gloves are not just for driving anymore – they have become a fashion statement for those want to invest into looking cool and feeling hot. Just take a look at what some rising stars and sexy starlets have been seen trending. In her recent “Shut Up and Driver” video, Rihanna sports a sleek red leather fingerless glove. Off the set, she has even paired the leather variety with girlish gowns and hot pants. Victoria Beckham wore them this fall with everything from evening wear to tailored blazers. And we’re betting Posh’s gloves aren’t made for driving either. As for the men: Kanye West and Karl Lagerfeld both don their stylish sets with suits, the latter boasts knuckle cutouts which work well for both men and women.
Style While the selection of colour, style and material used for glove wear has increased dramatically in recent years, the classic black leather glove remains a true classic. While it may still scream Rock and Roll, it adds an crafty edge to any outfit. Just think of Halle Berry in Catwoman. Her attire was made complete with her fitted three-quarter high black patent leather gloves. Can we say, SEXY?!? Interesting enough, after the release of this movie, the demand for these sleek and sexy black gloves hit record sales. Perhaps a BDSM fetish frenzy was inadvertently unleashed, where even tame novices looked to explore the magical feel and touch of latex or leather on the skin. Juicy Couture and Louis Vuitton opted for a more delicate touch in their versions of black leather gloves which now boast bracelets in place of the traditional clasp or snap. Carolina Amato’s collection even offers a colour for every mood. For colder climes, there are knit gloves with leather palms or wool-lined versions to keep hands safely on the wheel while helping them stay warm.
TA T F E ST 2 0 0 8 :
AND THE WINNER IS… Here are the winners of The Driver Magazineʼs TATFEST contest. 1st Place - Jeff MacMillan - Scarborough, ON 2nd Place - Christopher Rotondo - Toronto, ON 3rd Place - Nicole Veltri - Hamilton, ON Honourable Mention - Aimee Sheremeta - Rexdale, ON Honourable Mention - Sabrina Polito - Maple, ON Honourable Mention - Sarah Wood - Waterloo, ON Visit us at www.drivermagazine.ca to check out some of the other participants in our TATFEST Photo Gallery. This was a fun and exciting chance for us to meet the INNER BEAUTY of some of our readers. Our thanks to everyone who participated in TATFEST 2008!
See you at Performance World
at the International Centre 6900 Airport Road, Toronto March 13th, 14th and 15th for TATFEST 2009. The Driver Magazine
Jan - Feb 2009
29
Upcoming Event Listings 2009
MOTORCYCLE UPCOMING EVENT
By Tim Shamess
January 16-18, 2009 EDMONTON MOTORCYCLE SHOW Location: Edmonton, Alberta @ Northlands Agricom Time: Friday, 12 noon to 9 pm Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
JANUARY 2009 January 2-4, 2009 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SUPERSHOW Location: Toronto, Ontario @ The International Centre Time: Friday, 10am to 10pm Saturday, 10am to 10pm Sunday, 10am to 6pm Admission Fee: Adults: $18 (There is a printable $3 off coupon on the website www.supershowevents.com) Children: Youth 6-12 years $5, Children under 6years - Free January 9-11, 2009 CALGARY MOTORCYCLE SHOW Location: Calgary, Alberta @ Roundup Centre, Stampede Park Time: Friday, 12 noon to 9 pm Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm Admission Fee: Adults: $13 Junior: $9.50 (ages 6-15 yrs) Children: Under 6 years - Free when accompanied by an adult
Admission Fee: Adults: $13 Junior: $9.50 (ages 6-15 years) Children: Under 6 years - Free when accompanied by an adult Seniors: $9.50 (over 65 years)
Admission Fee: Adults: $13 Youth: $7 (8 - 15 years) Children: 7 years and under: Free February 13-15, 2009
ATLANTIC MOTORCYCLE & ATV SHOW Location: Moncton, New Brunswick @ Moncton Coliseum
Time: Friday, 12 noon - 9pm Saturday, 10am - 9pm Sunday, 10am - 5pm Admission Fee: January 22-25, 2009 Adults: $10 VANCOUVER MOTORCYCLE Students: $8 SHOW Seniors (65+): $8 Location: Abbotsford, B.C. @ Tradex Children under 10 years: Free Exhibition Centre Time: Thursday, 5pm to 9pm (There is a printable $1 off coupon on Friday, 12 noon to 9 pm the website, just visit: Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm http://www.masterpromotions.ca/imag Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm es/amas/amas-coupon.jpg) Admission Fee: Adults: $12 For more information on upcoming Junior: $8.00 (ages 6 – 15 years) motorcycle events across Canada, Children: Under 6 years - Free when please visit the following web listings: accompanied by an adult www.supershowevents.com www.sportshows.ca www.sportshows.ca www.worldofmotorcyclesexpo.com February 6-8, 2009 www.masterpromotions.ca
FEBRUARY 2009
WORLD OF WHEELS EXPO
Location: London, Ontario @ The Agriplex Time: Friday 4pm – 8pm Saturday 9am-9pm Sunday 10am – 5pm
U P C O M I N G
A U T O
JANUARY NORTH AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE SUPERSHOW January 2-January 4, 2009 International Centre, Toronto CANADIAN MOTORSPORTS EXPO January 16 - January 18, 2008 International Centre, Toronto
E V E N T S
PERFORMANCE WORLD CUSTOM CAR SHOW March 13 – March 15, 2009 International Centre, Toronto MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS March 28, 2009 Rogers Centre, Toronto
MONSTER JAM January 17 – January 18, 2009 Rogers Centre, Toronto
APRIL TRUCK WORLD- CANADAʼS NATIONAL TRUCK SHOW April 17 - 19, 2009 International Centre, Toronto
FEBRUARY SPEEDORAMA CUSTOM CAR SHOW February 6, 2009 - February 8, 2009 CNE Grounds, Toronto, Ontario
ONTARIO TRANSPORTATION EXPO April 19 – April 22, 2009 International Centre, 6900 Airport Road
CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW February 13 - February 22, 2009 MTCC and Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario SPRING MOTOR HOME AND TRAILER SHOW February 25 –March 1, 2009 International Centre, Toronto MARCH NATIONAL HEAVY EQUIPMENT SHOW March 5 & 6, 2009 International Centre, Toronto
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*For additional listings of upcoming auto events across Ontario please visit the following websites: wwwinternationalcentre.com/events www.rogerscentre.com www.supershowevents.com/super/index.html www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com www.monsterjamonline.com/home www.speedoramainfo.com www.autoshow.ca www.nhes.ca www.performanceworldcarshow.com www.truckworld.ca www.torontoboatshow.com
Larisa Redins February 2009 SPEEDORAMA CUSTOM CAR SHOW Location: Toronto, Ontario @ the CNE Grounds For time details and admission fees please refer to the event website at: www.speedoramainfo.com February 21-22, 2009 CALGARY WORLD OF WHEELS Location: Calgary, Alberta @ Roundup Centre, Stampede Park Time: Saturday, February 21, 2009 11 am to 10 pm Sunday, February 22, 2009 - 11 am to 7 pm Admission Fee General Admission: $14 Children ages 6-12: $5 Children under 5 years: Free
MARCH 2009 Every Sunday starting March 1, 2009 until October 25, 2009 SUNDAY CLASSIC CARS MEET AND GREET Location: 367 Highway 5 W Flamborough, Ontario @ Mizenerʼs Antiques and Flea Market Time: Sundays 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Admission Fee: Adults: Free entry for car and carload of visitors Youth: Free entry for car and carload of visitors Children: 7 years and under - Free
March 13-15, 2009 PERFORMANCE WORLD CUSTOM CAR & TRUCK SHOW Location: Mississauga, Ontario @ the International Centre, 6900 Airport Road Time: Friday, March 13, 2009 @ 10am - 10pm Saturday, March 14, 2009 @ 10am 10pm Sunday, March 15, 2009 @ 10am - 6pm Admission Fee Adults: $20 Children 6-12: $5 Children under 5 years: Free For more information on upcoming classic car events Visit: www.carnut.ca/carevents.html www.oldride.com/events/index.html www.canadiandriver.com/links/Events/ www.hotrodsandclassics.net/canadiane vents/canadianevents.htm
Driver Examination Centres Aurora (GTA) Bancroft (E) Barrie (SW) Belleville (E) Brampton (GTA) Brantford (SW) Brockville (E) Burlington (GTA) Chatham (SW) Clinton (SW) Cornwall (E) Downsview (GTA) Dryden (N) Espanola (N) Etobicoke (GTA) Fort Frances (N) Guelph (SW) Hamilton (SW) Hawkesbury (E) Huntsville (N) Kapuskasing (N) Kenora (N) Kingston (E) Kitchener (SW) Kirkland Lake (N) Lindsay (E) London (SW) Metro East (GTA) New Liskeard (N) North Bay (N) Oakville (GTA) Orangeville (SW) Orillia (SW) Oshawa (GTA) Ottawa Canotek (E) Ottawa Walkley (E) Owen Sound (SW) Pembroke (E) Peterborough (E) Port Union Renfrew (E) Sarnia (SW) Sault Ste Marie (N) Simcoe (SW) Smith Falls (E) St. Catharines (SW) Stratford (SW) Sudbury (N) Thunder Bay (N) Tillsonburg (SW) Timmins (N) Walkerton (SW) Winchester (E) Windsor (SW) Woodbridge Woodstock (SW)
Aurora Village Plaza, 1 Henderson Dr, Unit 4, Aurora L4G 4J7 141 Hastings St.N., Unit 2, Bancroft K0L 1C0 520 Bryne Dr., Unit 7, Barrie L4N 9P6 345 College St. E, Unit 12, RR6, Belleville K8N 4Z6 59 First Gulf Blvd., Unit 9, Brampton L6W 4P9 320 North Park St. Unit 1B, Brantford N3R 4L3 2211 Parkdale Ave, Brockville K6V 6B2 Burlington Power Centre, 1250 Brant St., Unit #2, Burlington L7P 1X8 171 Keil Dr.S., Unit 4-5, Chatham N7M 3H3 154 Beech St., Clinton N0M 1L0 120 Tollgate Rd. W, Cornwall K6J 5M3 37 Carl Hall Rd, Toronto M3K 2B6 539 Government St., Unit 8, Dryden P8N 2P6 Espanola Mall, 800 Centre St., Espanola P5E 1J3 5555 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto M9C 5M1 533 Mowat Ave., Fort Frances P9A 1Z1 255 Woodlawn Rd. W., Unit 10, Guelph N1H 8J1 370 Kenora Ave. N., Stoney Creek L8E 2W2 Hawkesbury Mall, 400 Spence Ave. Unit 19, Hawkesbury K6A 2Y3 215 Main St.W, 1st Floor, Huntsville P1H 1Y1 Model City Mall, 25 Brunetville Rd. Unit 64, Kapuskasing P5N 2E9 Kenora Shoppers Mall, 534 Park St, Unit 1270, Kenora P9N 1A1 381 Select Dr, Units 1-5, Kingston K7M 8R1 1405 Ottawa St.N., Unit 11, Kitchener N2A 3Z1 Kirkland Lake Shopping Ctr.,150 Government Rd. W, Kirkland Lake P2N 2E9 Lindsay Sq. Mall, 401 Kent St. W, Unit 20, Lindsay K9V 4Z1 220 Exeter Rd., Unit 1, London N6L 1A3 1448 Lawrence Ave. E, Unit 15, North York M4A 2V6 Temiskaming Square, RR2 Site 2-151, Unit 4A, New Liskeard P0J 1P0 New North Bay Mall, 300 Lakeshore Dr, Unit 204, North Bay P1A 3V2 2035 Cornwall Rd.,Oakville L6J 7S2 40 Fourth Ave., Orangeville L9W 1G6 404 Laclie St., Unit 3, Orillia L3V 4P5 Midtown Mall, 200 John St. W. Oshawa L1J 2B4 5303 Canotek Rd., Unit 14, Ottawa K1J 9M1 1570 Walkley Rd.,Ottawa K1V 6P5 Spring Mount Business Pk.,107 Jason St. RR5, Unit 1, Owen Sound N4K 5N7 513 Eganville Ave.Pembroke K8A 4E6 749 Erskine Ave.Peterborough K9J 7Y6 91 Rylander Blvd. Unit #109A, Scarborough, ON M1B 5M5 Renfrew Mall, 740 Stewart St.N. Unit 9, Renfrew K7V 4G8 1362 Lambton Mall Rd., Suite 4, Sarnia N7S 5A1 Churchill Plaza, 150 Churchill Blvd., C15-16, Sault Ste. Marie P6A 3Z9 Simcoe Mall, 140 Queensway E., Unit 1&2, Simcoe N3Y 4Y7 County Fair Mall, 283 Brockville St.,Smith Falls K7A 4Z6 Bunting Square, 285 Bunting Rd. Unit 1, St. Catharines L2M 7T9 59 Lorne Ave. E., Unit 3, Stratford N5A 6S4 Montrose Mall, 782 LaSalle Blvd., Sudbury P3A 4V4 McIntyre Centre, 1186 Memorial Ave., Unit 14, Thunder Bay P7B 5K5 Tillson Avenue Mall, 107 Concession St. E., Tillsonburg N4G 4W4 The Porcupine Mall, Highway 101E, South Porcupine P0N 1K0 Saugeen Business Park, 200 McNab St., Walkerton N0G 2V0 12028 Dawley Dr., Unit 1, Winchester K0C 2K0 2470 Dougall Ave., Windsor N8X 1T2 5780 HWY 7 Woodbridge. 476 Peel St., Woodstock N4S 1K1
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CAR WASH A N D D E TA I L C E N T R E
18
$
All cars hand dried Under spray to remove salt Interior Vacuuming 100% fresh water Interior window s coupn cleaning y a w eive ear a
T
THE WORKS WASH
10
Interior & Exterior& Wax
18
plus tax
with 10 coupon GUARA0%
NTEE D
Reg. 22.00
Exp. Mar. 31/09
THE WORKS WASH
905-456-3364 / 24 Kennedy Rd. S. 905-494-5600 / 9499 Airport Rd.
$
10
Interior & Exterior& Wax
10
plus tax
with coupon
Reg. 22.00
GUAR100% ANTEE D
Exp. Mar. 31/09
DETAIL CENTRE
905-456-3364 / 24 Kennedy Rd. S. 905-494-5600 / 9499 Airport Rd.
Any Detail % OFF with coupon
Service
15 Min Oil Change
to rescavings great
Exp. Mar. 31/09
905-456-3364 / 24 Kennedy Rd. S. 905-494-5600 / 9499 Airport Rd.
For fast oil changes and routine vehicle maintenance, nobody does it like Jiffy Lube
Hours: Mon - Sat 8-6 Sun 9-5
905-799-1222
NOW AVAILABLE, EMISSION TEST/TIRE ROTATION/BRAKE SERVICE
905-456-3364
905-494-5600 (Williams Pkwy. & Airport Rd.)
N
Williams
Queen
Goreway
24 Kennedy Rd. S.
Bovaird
Airport
401
Hansen
Kennedy
Hwy. 10
Steeles
Eastern
9499 Airport Rd.
Torbram
N
Bramalea
Bovaird Queen
The Driver Magazine M a y - J u n e 2 0 0 7
5