FERGUS, Ont. (July 22, 2005) — The newest professional driver fuel-efficiency training program will be launched at the Fergus Truck Show in Ontario this weekend.

The SmartDriver for Highway Trucking — debuting at the popular truck festival from July 22 to 24 — is a new three-part program designed by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to reach owner-operators and professional truck drivers who do not have access to training in the traditional workshop format.

The program provides information and introduces fuel-efficient operating practices and smart-driving techniques.

The highlight of the event will be the launch of Mark Dalton: SmartDriver, a mystery novel written by Edo van Belkom. It was developed to provide valuable information such as shifting techniques, tire type, and pressure and speed control in an entertaining way, while Mark and his know-it-all sidekick Jimmy cross Canada on an adventure that involves hijacking, kidnapping and other exploits. The novel is also available as an audio book.

Once drivers have completed the novel, they are invited to complete an on-line quiz that will test their knowledge on fuel-saving measures. A print copy of the quiz is also available from FleetSmart.

Belkom is a Bram Stoker and Aurora Award winner and author of more than 200 stories of horror, science fiction, fantasy and mystery. He will be available at the Fergus Truck Show to sign copies of the book at NRCan’s FleetSmart booth.

The Government of Canada provided funding to this project through a partnership between NRCan and the Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council.