Sneak in some leisurely road time this autumn
When was the last time you hopped into your car for the sheer pleasure of driving?
From the 1920s until the 1970s, the Sunday drive was a commonplace activity across North America, but in today’s hectic world, few people have the time or the desire to indulge in such a guilty pleasure.
Today, vehicles are used mostly for practical reasons: We need to go to work or run an errand, and we need to do it in a hurry.
I’d like to see a return of the Sunday drive, where motorists carve out time for leisurely driving. Such an activity can be healthy for the mind, body and soul.
It’s a great way to have some quality family time and have fun along the way.
One of the benefits of a leisurely drive is the sense of discovery and learning. Over the years, I’ve found many quaint towns and places of interest off the beaten path, merely by following my curiosity during a leisurely drive.
Taking the time to explore new places by car will provide a deeper appreciation for the world and help to create memories with friends and loved ones.
There’s no better time to enjoy the beauty of Ontario than in the fall, when the autumn colours are in full bloom. Ontario is blessed with an abundance of scenic roadways, public parks, expansive forests and unique towns, all of which can be enjoyed while driving.
The Niagara Escarpment, Algonquin Park, the north shore of Lake Superior, Prince Edward County and Thunder Bay are some of the many destinations that offer spectacular views and breathtaking fall colours.
If you are the type who requires a destination before setting out on a leisurely drive, Ontario has countless fall festivals and fairs, which run from October until December. A quick Internet search will yield some of them within a short driving distance from home.
Before embarking on a leisurely drive, consider the many on-board gadgets that are available to make your ride more enjoyable and safer.
A GPS is modestly priced and provides driving directions, lane guidance at intersections and updates on weather and traffic. Many new vehicles are equipped with GPS already built in.
Satellite and Internet radio are available and provide drivers with an extraordinary range of music, comedy, sports and public affairs programming.
Bluetooth wireless phone connec- tion is another gadget that could be useful during a road trip. The use of hand-held mobile devices while driving is illegal in Ontario, and Bluetooth allows drivers to make and receive calls without having to fumble with their phone.
A power invertor is a small, compact device that allows you to power up all of your travel-related electronic devices. The device changes the 12-volt direct current from a car’s battery into a 115-volt alternating current used by everyday appliances.
While many on-board technologies are clearly aimed at making
Driving around Ontario is a great way to experience the province’s abundance of scenic roadways, parks and expansive forests
driving more comfortable, more entertaining and safer, other technologies are aimed at eliminating the need to drive altogether. Most major automakers are pursuing autonomous driving technology.
It is my hope that with the advent of autonomous driving technology, motorists won’t lose their joy of driving. Just because a vehicle is controlled by an algorithm doesn’t mean drivers can’t still enjoy and appreciate a leisurely drive.
Cars are a great utility and a necessity in our modern age, but they are also a great source of enjoyment and inspiration.
Wherever you decide to go on your leisurely drive this fall, whether it’s alone or with family and friends, happy motoring! This column represents the views and values of the TADA. Write to president@tada.ca or go to tada.ca. Bob Redinger is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association and is a new-car dealer in the GTA.