Auto Events

All bad personal habits don’t affect the lives of others. Bad driving habits, however, negatively affect every driver on the road and add unnecessary danger to their lives. 

Whether it’s a lead foot or the inability to put your smartphone down, everyone has a vice when they are behind the wheel. Laws have been put in place to deter drivers from offenses, but some people will continue their bad habits until something bad happens—which could be too late. 

Do your part to make the road a safer place. Here are six bad driving habits to break today: 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has become such an issue in North America, which has led to the U.S. government building an official website for distracted driving in order to educate drivers of all ages. Texting, eating, grooming, applying makeup—the list of distractions is long, but they all have one thing in common: they endanger the lives of drivers, passengers, other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. 

There are three main types of distraction: manual, visual and cognitive. Texting is viewed as the worst of all distractions because it disturbs all three. Remember: One text or call could wreck it all.  

Not Checking Blind Spots

No matter what angle you adjust your side and rearview mirrors, there will always be a blind spot to manage. Many drivers believe they don’t need to turn and look, but changing lanes without quickly checking your blind spot is like playing Russian roulette on a highway with two-ton vehicles. 

The best preparation is to always stay vigilant of your surroundings. Scan your mirrors every five seconds because it pays to know what is around you, especially if you plan on changing lanes. When the time comes to manoeuvre, click your turn signal first and then glance over before you go. Don’t cause an accident because you “didn’t feel like” doing it. 

Not Wearing Seatbelt 

A U.S. Department of Transportation study found that seat belt use in 2012 rose to 86%, up 2% from 2011. There is a tremendous amount of data proving that seat belts save lives, so why would anyone not take the 0.5 seconds to click their belt on? It appears 14% of drivers still refuse, and if you are one of them you need to break this life-threatening habit immediately. 

Audiovisual reminder systems, also known as the chime and dashboard light, have been around for over 40 years. And even with all of the new braking systems and technology on modern vehicles, seat belts remain the #1 vehicle safety device. Do yourself a favour—buckle up for safety. 

Speeding 

“I’m in a hurry.” “I won’t get caught. I don’t care if I do!” No matter what kind of ignorance a speeder is suffering from, numbers don’t lie and speed is a killer. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one in three fatal crashes involves speeding, and speeding is the third leading contributor to all crashes. And the statistics don’t stop there. 

The National Safety Council has a long list of reasons not to speed. 13,000 lives are lost every year from speeding. Speed-related crashes cost society over $40 billion annually. Slow down and save lives. 

Tailgating 

In addition to irritating other drivers, tailgating is a highly dangerous action because it leaves you little to no time to brake. Standard driving practice is to leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you to see their tires. Riding their bumper may cause the driver to become scared or angry which can lead to them slamming on the brakes in fear or frustration. 

Tailgating will also impact your fuel economy. All of the constant gas-brake tapping is not conducive to saving gas; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that aggressive driving like this can reduce your MPG by 5% in the city and 33% on the highway. 

Driving Drowsy

Everyone knows the dangers of driving drunk, and thankfully most drivers avoid doing it. But driving drowsy can be even more dangerous and does not receive half the attention it deserves. The symptoms are the same as being impaired except for one drastic difference—you could fall asleep and have 0% control of a moving vehicle. 

Driving drowsy is equal parts dangerous, selfish and irresponsible.  Wait until you are awake to drive. 

About the author:

Doug Climenhaga is president of SVI International, Inc., a leading supplier of parts for industrial lift equipment. With more than 20 years experience in the hydraulic and automotive lift industries, he holds two patents and has designed scores of problem-solving products.

NIAGARA FALLS, ON - The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) is an organization that is dedicated to assisting, promoting and maintaining the integrity of automotive journalism. It has held a reputation over the years as the largest Canadian automotive journalists association and prides itself on operating only under the highest of code of honour and ethics. 

The association, however, is well known for being extremely difficult to join. In order to join, one must meet a set amount of requirements before joining and if you’re one of the few accepted in, the advantages are boundless. 

The most exciting event that you’re invited to, as long as you meet the 26 car review quota for the year is TestFest, held in Niagara Falls. TestFest is where AJAC journalists come to test and score the latest model cars for the year, eventually leading to naming the AJAC cars of the year. 

This year, I was able to get a feel for the TestFest scene as a guest on Open Thursday. I wasn’t able to drive any of the cars, being just a guest, but the open venue with all the latest cars was enough to get me excited. 

As I entered the new venue at the Legends on Niagara Golf Course, I was a bit struck with feelings of acceptance, envy and pride, as I caught a glimpse into my own future. Having car enthusiasts read my thoughts on why this sedan or that SUV deserve the title of Car of the Year didn’t seem too far way. 

However, on this very day, I felt like I stood out like the Stig in a grocery store. Representing the driver as a writer, but unable to actually drive any of the cars, the only thing left for me to do was engage in what my college professor’s call “networking”. 

I stepped into the cold that was TestFest with my typical Oakville Sperrys on and made it my mission to absorb as much information about AJAC. I would be a sponge for the next six-to-seven hours. It was quickly apparent to me that most of the journalists were busy conducting their drive tests and had limited time for this lanky, 19-year old with more questions than a game of cranium. Eventually accepting defeat, I wandered the event with our video crew; looking at cars, filming them, sitting in them trying to stay warm and out of the rain. 

With the day dwindling and getting windier by the second, I eventually ran into a peculiar man who stood out from the rest. To my surprise, this was Charles Renny, the current AJAC President. This conversation was just what I had been hoping for. It satisfied my cravings for useful information and left me inspired to pursue my automotive writing career with the hope to one day join AJAC. 

In the end, TestFest was a success. I went with the idea to review a few cars, but instead got a unique perspective of someone looking from the outside in. Now, being determined to join, I plan to dedicate myself to this profession and one-day cast my votes for Canadian Car of the Year. See you next year TestFest!

We are reaching that time again when the temperature dips below 7°C. If you’re in the know, you can identify that number being the special temperature threshold to determine when you put on your winter tires. 

Most Canadians understand when to put on winter tires, but there are still those Canadians who aren’t sure when to take that plunge. Global warming has made that decision more difficult to determine what weather is on the horizon. We no longer can wait until November 15th to change our summer or all-season tires like clockwork. We actually need to follow the weather reports and follow through when we see the temperature stay below 7°C.

The good people at Canadian Tire have gone one-step further to help those drivers figure out what time is best to switch over to winter tires. They’ve teamed up with a leading rubber Research & Development organization called ARTIS to develop as they call it – “a temperature-sensitive, colour-change all-season concept tire.” It’s a mouthful name for now, but I’m sure when this concept becomes reality they will name it something more catchy.

On hand to explain the tire concept was Dr. Joe Hallett, Commercial Manager at ARTIS, who’s also in charge of this tire project. He went through the motions on explaining how all-season tires harden and lose its tread below 7°C; while winter tires possess flexible tread allowing you to drive, brake and handle closer to normal road conditions attacking that snow, sludge and ice. 

The concept that ARTIS is creating on behalf of Canadian Tire will have a white rubber sidewall strip on an all-season tire that can determine the temperature outside and if it’s below 7°C that white colour turns to blue. 

“Our team at ARTIS took a particular interest in this project as it presented an idea we believe no one had considered before Canadian Tire,” stated Dr. Joe Hallett, Commercial Manager, ARTIS. “Canadian Tire is one of few leaders in delivering the message of winter driving safety. As a father of young children, I share their desire to communicate how important it is to use winter tires. Through an extensive Research & Development process, we have created a concept that could help to change our thinking.”

It’s kind of an idiot-proof concept to help consumers out. Is it needed? Not really. Is it cool? Sure. Would different colour tires cause a distraction on the road? Possibly, but who knows how it will look when ready.

It’s early days and still in the concept stage, but it’s nice to see that Canadian Tire is trying their best to look out for the safety of their consumers. There’s no timetable as of yet and it seems this concept won’t be in production for some time. When more information comes out – we will let you know.

NEW YORK, NY – The Lincoln Motor Company’s reinvention takes a major step forward today with the unveiling of the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC small premium utility vehicle.

The Lincoln MKC is a unique creation from the ground up with an assortment of first-in-class features. Its all-new 2.3-litre EcoBoost® engine offers a blend of performance and fuel efficiency while its ingeniously implemented wrap-around liftgate is an example of masterful customer convenience.

The luxurious interior embraces driver and passengers alike, and its new and innovative technology personalizes the MKC ownership experience. Lincoln MKC is the second all-new Lincoln in as many years as the brand continues its reinvention.

“Lincoln MKC is a perfect blend of inspired automotive design and dynamic driving performance in a segment that has grown in popularity in recent years,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Ford global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln. “As a challenger luxury brand, entering this segment is a natural next step for us. MKC will do more than just compete – it can change the way people think about Lincoln.”

Building the right vehicle at the right time

Lincoln MKC – first introduced as a concept vehicle at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit – represents a critical milestone in the company’s plan to expand its lineup.

Arriving on the heels of the all-new and successful 2013 Lincoln MKZ sedan, MKC becomes the second new vehicle in the brand’s plans to introduce four new luxury vehicles by 2016.

MKC gives Lincoln a compelling offering in the small premium utility vehicle segment, which is the fastest-growing part of the luxury market – up nearly 14 percent since 2012 and more than 130 percent since 2009in Canada. The segment growth is being driven by new luxury buyers who are coming into affluence, as well as by current luxury owners who are moving from larger vehicles to smaller ones as their life desires change.

With MKC, Lincoln continues its move toward targeting a younger, more diverse customer. The vehicle also positions Lincoln to resonate with drivers in desirable markets on the east and west coasts.  

Designed to inspire inside and out

The Lincoln design team faced the dual challenge of creating a standout vehicle in a competitive field, while further refining the Lincoln design DNA that started with the 2013 MKZ. From its signature split-wing grille to its uniquely crafted, hands-free wraparound liftgate, the Lincoln DNA is evident.

“Our design team worked tirelessly to create a vehicle that attracts new customers to the brand while meeting the expectations of longtime Lincoln drivers,” said Max Wolff, Lincoln design director. “The execution of the new liftgate is a prime example of how a premium design element can create a better customer experience.”

MKC presents a sleek, sculpted body that helps it stand out among peers. Its high beltline and low shoulders create a sturdy, athletic presence, while features such as soft exterior lighting and an available Panoramic Vista glass roof give the vehicle a luxurious, sophisticated personality. 

The unique design also carries through to the interior, where craftsmanship and high-tech combine to offer a warm, luxurious environment. An architecturally unique instrument panel showcases Lincoln’s signature push-button gear shifter and provides an open, inviting interior space. Plush leathers with French stitching, and standard Bridge of Weir leather and real wood trim accentuate MKC’s elegance and grace.

“We gave attention to every detail to convey a stylish, fashion-oriented vehicle,” said Soo Kang, Lincoln interior design chief. “Our use of colors, materials, stitching – every detail was considered to create an overall luxurious experience.”

To be more consistent with the Lincoln driving experience, an all-new Lincoln steering wheel debuts on MKC and will be available on all future Lincoln vehicles. This highly tactile leather-wrapped wheel provides better feeling and control and becomes another element of the brand’s dynamics DNA directly in contact with the driver’s hands.  

The enhanced THX® II Certified Audio System, an industry-first featuring THX-distributed bass technology and 14 right-, center- and left-slot speaker assemblies, is available. As the cabin fills with the crystal-clear sounds the stereo delivers, MKC’s class-leading low noise, vibration and harshness levels keep road noise out.

SYNC® with MyLincoln Touch™ enables drivers to personalize MKC by using voice-activated commands or simple touch controls on the class-exclusive 8-inch touch screen. Knobs and buttons on the center console provide an additional and easy access to control air conditioning and sound system. 

Lincoln luxury meets dynamic performance

When equipped with the all-new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, MKC offers a projected 275 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm, according to preliminary test data. In addition to increased power, the engine’s improved NVH rating provides MKC a premium and refined powertrain. Class-exclusive Active Grille Shutters help improve MKC fuel efficiency at highway speeds.

MKC comes standard with a 2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged engine, projected to produce 240 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm, according to preliminary test data. This makes Lincoln MKC an all-EcoBoost vehicle.

Lincoln Drive Control, standard on MKC, allows drivers to select from sport, comfort and normal drive modes to cater to their driving mood through a Continuously Controlled Damping system. CCD constantly monitors the road up to 50 times per second and adjusts the vehicle’s suspension accordingly, providing a smoother ride with improved handling.  

MKC also comes standard with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and 18-inch wheels. Drivers can upgrade to 19-inch wheels for an even sportier look.

“The width of MKC’s track has been set to allow the designers the freedom to create a more-planted stance for the vehicle, and it provided engineers the opportunity to minimize body roll and give the vehicle a more sporty feel,” said Lisa Drake, MKC chief engineer.

Technology provides protection, confidence

MKC uses advanced technology such as collision warning with brake support, a Lane-Keeping System and driver assist to help drivers avoid common accidents. The collision warning system alerts the driver if it detects a potential front-end crash. The system issues an audible alert in the cabin, a visual alert on the windshield and automatic brake assist sensitivity.

MKC introduces class-exclusive park-out assist technology, a feature that enhances the vehicle’s active park assist capabilities. Where active park assist helps guide drivers into tight parallel parking situations, park-out assist steers drivers out of tight parking spots. 

The vehicle’s Lane-Keeping System uses rearview mirror-mounted cameras to identify lane markers and help drivers avoid unintentionally straying from their lane. Dashboard-mounted cameras monitor driver alertness. If the system detects a driver’s alertness level dropping below a given threshold, a warning is issued via a chime and a pop-up message appears on the left-hand cluster screen.

MKC also offers a Blind Spot Information System, which continuously monitors the vehicle’s blind spots with radar sensors, and class-exclusive cross-traffic alert, which detects traffic as the vehicle backs from a parking space. 

Driver confidence and safety is furthered by the inclusion of seven standard airbags, including a class-exclusive driver’s knee airbag. In 5,000 virtual and real-world crash tests, MKC performed remarkably under a variety of circumstances.

Experience Lincoln’s uniquely warm reception

MKC will greet owners with exclusive Approach Detection, which senses when an owner is near and responds by illuminating “welcome mats” on the ground next to both front doors. Simultaneously, headlamps, taillamps and door handles glow with soft lighting tuned to complement the vehicle’s exterior color.

MKC will be the first Lincoln to have always-on built-in connectivity, allowing owners to utilize a smartphone app to control the vehicle. With the MyLincoln Mobile™ app, MKC owners can start, lock, unlock and locate the vehicle..

Drivers also can use the app to place a call for roadside assistance, monitor the vehicle’s fuel level, check tire pressure and battery status, and program engine start times to allow the vehicle to heat or cool to comfortable levels.

Lincoln MKC production is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2014 at Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Ky. Vehicles are due in showrooms next summer.