INNISFAIL – Innisfail may be home to Canada's Worst Handyman and it could soon be the locale for Canada's Worst Driver. Innisfailian Tyler Dupont landed a spot on Season 12 of Canada's Worst Driver.
INNISFAIL – Innisfail may be home to Canada's Worst Handyman and it could soon be the locale for Canada's Worst Driver.
Innisfailian Tyler Dupont landed a spot on Season 12 of Canada's Worst Driver. In 2009, Johnnie Bachusky, editor of the Innisfail Province, was named Canada's Worst Handyman in Season 4 of the popular reality show.
Dupont, a 44-year-old welder, was one of eight Canadian participants chosen for the show after a friend or family member nominated them. This season's drivers hail from Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta.
"In Toronto we were all sitting at a table together, looking at each other wondering (why) we're here. We got driving issues, that's why we're here," said Dupont. "This really opened my eyes. I'm really grateful I was picked for the show."
The popular television program, taped last summer, invited eight disastrous drivers to take on challenges behind the wheel at the Driver Rehabilitation Centre in Dunnville, Ont.
In the eight-episode series, drivers are put through various driving challenges in a controlled environment and are evaluated by a panel of driving experts. Each week, a driver graduates from the training centre and returns to the open roads.
Canada's Worst Driver Season 12 began airing in October with episodes every Monday at 8 p.m. MT on the Discovery Channel. Episode 6 aired Nov. 28 and in the meantime, Dupont cannot disclose whether or not he has graduated until after the finale, set to air in early December.
"I was really nervous," said Dupont, noting some of the struggles he had with driving, particularly when it came to alcohol.
"I was labelled a drunk driver. I'd go out Wednesday nights, have a few beers and wings with the boys and drive home. I didn't realize having just one beer was a big issue," said Dupont. "I tried to be so honest and so real (on the show). If you're honest with yourself, they can help you."
That's exactly what being a part of Canada's Worst Driver did for Tyler Dupont.
He said the show helped him realize his mistakes, take ownership of them and make the necessary changes to become a better driver.
"They helped me tremendously. Canada's Worst Driver is like one big family," he said, noting the support from fellow cast members, show host Andrew Younghusband, and his wife Jana.
Dupont said he walked away from the experience a little wiser and with a few important lessons behind him.
"I have so much confidence and so much positivity, I'm a lot safer (on the roads)," he said. "I learned a lot from the show."
With the tough economy, job layoffs and the holiday season ahead, Dupont wants to stress the importance of not drinking and driving.
"I want to do my best to get it out there, that drinking and driving is not good," said Dupont. "Just be smart about it. If you want to drink, fine, have a good time, but just don't get behind the wheel."
Follow Canada's Worst Driver at www.Discovery.ca
Tyler Dupont
"This really opened my eyes. I'm really grateful I was picked for the show."
