DrivAbility Car Control Clinics

Vehicle crashes and collisions cost billions

Madoc, Ontario - September 7, 2002 - Driving educator and road survival expert, Gary Magwood, announces six DrivAbility Car Control Clinics to be presented by The Toronto Star's Wheels and Life sections. The first two weekend programs are scheduled for Toronto, November 16/17, and Georgian College in Barrie, November 23/24. Peterborough, Kitchener, Hamilton and Markham will follow in February, 2003.

Over 18,000 individuals have learned emergency braking, vision skills and collision avoidance techniques under Gary's guidance in the 4 hour DrivAbility clinics . The half hour classrooms and 3 1/2 hours of in-car training are limited to 24 students per session.

Research by the Canadian Institute for Health Information shows vehicle crashes and collisions were the leading cause of severe injury among Canadians under 64. Among people aged 20 to 34: 60%. For the under 20's: 52%. Ages 35 to 60: 46%. Over 65: 31%. According to The Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF), these injuries cost Canada's health care systems over $25 billion.

"Driving is the most hazardous activity in our daily lives..." states Gary, "...and one for which we are inadequately prepared. We're not taught how to correct a front wheel skid or panic brake on an icy highway or how to avoid a vehicle running a red light or a jaywalking pedestrian. We don't know how anti-lock brakes really work and what other new technologies recently introduced by automobile manufacturers can or can't do."

The DrivAbility Car Control Clinics cover these topics and much more. Registration is open to anyone of driving age by calling (toll free) 866 NO SKIDS (667 5437) or e-mailing: juskiddn@kos.net. Cost is $200 (plus GST).

The Toronto Star Wheels section is the most widely read automotive supplement in North America for which Gary writes a regular column on driving related issues.

A former national racing champion and creator of his own school for racing drivers at Mosport Park, Gary has tutored some of Canada's top racing drivers. He created the Labatt Road Scholarship program and has developed training programs for police forces, car clubs, corporate fleets, drivers' ed instructors and Toronto cab drivers. His powerful and unique driving message is delivered with great energy, humour, warmth and a genuine concern for the welfare of everybody behind the wheel.

Gary can be reached at 613 849 1976 or email: juskiddn@kos.net