There’s so much to be thankful for behind the wheel
New technology is changing the way we drive for the better and making the roads friendlier
Thanksgiving is a great time to get to together with family and friends to celebrate what we’re grateful for in life. It’s also not a bad time for us car- lovers to be thankful for our four wheels — not only for where they take us, and the joy and fulfilment those destinations bring — but how the industry has evolved to make our lives better and more safe.
Think of how far the automobile has come. Remember when you used to break a sweat to roll down the windows, spent a greater chunk of your income to fill up the fuel tank, and used printed maps to figure out the best route across the Island?
Today we have dozens of fuelefficient vehicle options, including hybrids and electric cars. Our roads are also friendlier to drive on, thanks to changes to the speed limits in some parts of the province. We’ve also seen impressive improvements to infrastructure such as the Port Mann Bridge in the Lower Mainland and the wider, safer Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler.
New technology inside, our vehicles are also changing the way we drive, for the better. Navigation systems, many built right into the vehicles, are helping us get places faster, while saving gas and in turn reducing emissions.
In- vehicle backup cameras are one of the best inventions to prevent accidents, property damage or even human injury when reversing out of a driveway or parking spot.
Meanwhile, parents are bowing before the people who added video monitors in vehicles, helping keep their kids quiet and entertained during long road trips.
While these may seem like frivolous convenience items to some, many new technologies can increase safety on our roads.
Anything that keeps drivers alert to what’s happening around them and helps to prevent distractions is to be commended in my books.
New technology has also helped to cut down on auto fraud, thanks to evolving antitheft systems, not to mention of course B. C.’ s wildly successful Bait Car program, run by the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team. Since IMPACT began operating in 2003, auto theft in B. C. is down 73 per cent, according to the RCMP.
Drivers and passengers — and their families — should also be grateful for tougher restrictions around distracted driving and driving under the influence, which is keeping our roads safe.
Dealers across the province are particularly grateful to their customers, employees and families who contribute to the success of the business. Thanks to this support, dealers are able to contribute to charities and other great causes in their local communities and around the province.
On that note, I’d also like to thank the B. C. dealers for putting up with me for six years as of Oct. 1! I am grateful to work with such a talented, entrepreneurial, hardworking and fun bunch of folks. Happy Thanksgiving! AUTO NOTES: Last week I had the honour of attending the Ernst & Young EY Entrepreneur of the Year Pacific Awards Gala. I was there in support of Brad, Mike and Mitch Trotman from Trotman Auto Group, one the three finalists in the businessto- consumer products and services category. It was a real thrill to cheer on three of B. C.’ s best and brightest new car dealers being acknowledged.