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One of Canada's best drivers trains Canada's worst

If you're a fan of Canada's Worst Driver, you know Philippe Létourneau, who teaches high-speed driving to the worst of the worst. He didn't originally want the job, but personal tragedy convinced him that he could make a difference. Find out in my story on him in the Toronto Star.

In the news: Snow closes driver testing ...

It's a rather unpleasant day in the Greater Toronto Area today: wet snow, rain, and some wind to blow it all around. I've been out running errands, and while there is a fair bit of slush on the roads, it's not as bad as it looks. Traction is actually pretty good, especially if you have winter tires.

But while I was waiting at the dentist's office for my appointment, I watched the news report on television. Driving tests in the area have been cancelled today.

Yes, you heard that right. There's some snow in the air, there's some slush on the ground, and so it's too nasty for the next group of drivers on our roads to be out there. Say what? This is Ontario. This is Ontario in winter. It snows here. And if you can't safely drive in Ontario in winter in the snow, you are a hazard on the road to yourself and other drivers.

We should be testing drivers in snow, and if they get their licenses in summer, it should be conditional on them coming back in the bad stuff (or on a skid pad if necessary) and proving they can handle it just as well as they can handle dry pavement. Closing up shop just because there's snow on the ground? Hell, why not just test them on a video driving game, and give them a license based on that?

Check it out: Sweetie Girl Racing

Browsing the Internet, I came across Sweetie Girl Racing, the first Canadian all-female show and race team. Not only does the club promote safe driving and work for charity, but it also offers driver training for women - and "smart men", as the site says - allowing them to become more confident behind the wheel.

Part of the driving force, Anna He, is a great lady, a good friend and, like me, a dedicated fan of the greatest feline ever, Hello Kitty. Check out the site at Sweetie Girl Racing.