WOODSTOCK, Ont. — NAL PATH Insurance Brokers are opening a drivers lounge at the TA Truck Stop (Exit 230, Hwy. 401), so drivers can take a load off during downtime.

Drivers will be able to kick up their feet, watch a hockey game on TV, listen to music, chat with other drivers or get some exercise at the new lounge.

As I walked into the TA Truck Stop for the first time, I glanced at some of the faces around me. I saw many drivers sitting by themselves, others wandering around with nothing to do, and most importantly very few drivers had a smile on their face, noted Aaron Lindsay, driver and fleet services with NAL PATH. Having never driven long haul before, I was unfamiliar with the impact of long hours of operation, little family time, lack of social contact and the unhealthy lifestyle of most drivers. So, it was no wonder I could not find a smile amongst a sea of drivers.

NAL PATH made getting more involved in the trucking lifestyle one of its goals for 2007. Part of the plan involved providing drivers with a home away from home. The lounge, which should be up and running by this weekend, features: Satellite high-definition television; free Internet access; a logbook area where drivers can update their logs in peace and quiet; and fitness equipment (arriving soon). The lounge will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the company says.

While the lounge will be open as soon as this weekend, the Grand Opening will be held Friday, March 2. Prizes will be available, including a free steak dinner, NAL clothing, free fuel and more. For more information, call 800-265-1657., ext. 3004.