It was 1:15 a.m. when I was driving my family home, turning onto a street I knew well. But what I saw that night will stay with me forever. A devastating collision between a motorcycle and a van unfolded before my eyes. In mere seconds, a 21-year-old—a family’s only child—lost his life.
The scene was haunting, etched into my memory like a scar. That night, I couldn’t sleep. It wasn’t just another news story or statistic—it was personal. It felt as though I had lost a brother. I realized I couldn’t simply stand by. I had to do something to make a difference. That’s where the idea for DRIVIDIA began.
Road accidents in Ontario are not just individual tragedies—they are a public crisis with far-reaching consequences.
These numbers are more than statistics. Behind each one is a family shattered, a future stolen, and a preventable loss. Many of these accidents stem from common errors:
These figures highlight the devastating ripple effects of road accidents on individuals, families, and the province as a whole.
That night wasn’t just a moment of grief but a wake-up call. As a father, I couldn’t bear the thought of losing someone I loved to a preventable accident. As a professional with decades of experience in technology, I realized I had the tools to make a meaningful change.
My name is Tariq Jamal, and I’ve spent 27 years working in technology—specializing in software architecture, software development, e-commerce, loyalty, and analytics. My true passion, though, lies in solving problems that matter—problems that save lives.
DRIVIDIA isn’t just a platform. It’s a mission to educate drivers, connect learners with certified instructors who prioritize safety, and reward responsible driving habits.
When people ask me, “What does success look like for DRIVIDIA?” my answer is simple: If I can save one life, every effort will have been worth it. Maybe that life belongs to a father rushing home to his kids. Or a mother driving to pick up her child. Or someone you love—someone you couldn’t bear to lose. Or it could even be mine.
Since launching DRIVIDIA, I’ve seen countless moments that reaffirm why we do this. But one story stands out.
A young woman enrolled in one of our courses after surviving a near-fatal accident. She wrote: “I didn’t just learn to be a safer driver. I learned how much my actions matter—to my family, strangers, and everyone I share the road with. Thank you for giving me a second chance.”
Her words brought me to tears. They reminded me that DRIVIDIA exists not for statistics but for stories like hers—stories of lives saved, futures protected, and second chances granted.
Whenever someone takes a course, earns a DrivPoint, or shares our message, I think about that night—the one that changed everything—and I feel a renewed sense of purpose.
I share my story because I want you to be part of this mission. Maybe you’ve lost someone to a road accident. Perhaps you’ve had a close call. Or maybe you’ve never thought much about road safety before.
But here’s the truth: the road belongs to all of us. And it’s up to us to protect the lives we share on it.
Drive with care. Put down the phone. Slow down. Think about what’s at stake—not just for you, but for the people you love and those they love.
Saving one life isn’t just a statistic. It’s a gift. A legacy. A reminder that every moment on the road is an opportunity to make the world safer.
Tariq Jamal is a dedicated industry expert with 27 years of experience in technology. He specializes in software architecture, development, e-commerce, loyalty, and analytics. Driven by a passion for road safety, Tariq founded DRIVIDIA—a marketplace where learners connect with certified instructors who prioritize safety and carry commercial insurance.
He introduced the DrivPoints Rewards Program to further promote responsible driving. This program incentivizes safe road habits and encourages drivers to make better choices. By leveraging technology and artificial intelligence, Tariq is reaching a wider audience with the message that safety is for everyone—and so are the rewards.
Drive safe. Save lives. Let’s change the road together. Connect with Tariq on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tariqjamal
Start by learning from certified instructors who prioritize safety.
Stay vigilant and mindful of your surroundings at all times.
Take ownership of your actions and understand safe driving practices.
Work together to minimize risks through shared accountability.
Earn rewards for adopting and maintaining safe driving habits.
Let’s promise to make every journey safer for ourselves and everyone around us.
At DrivPoints, we're all about ensuring clear rules and guidelines for driving instructors and schools. Governments and regulators can help by certifying that instructors have the proper training, licences, and insurance before teaching.
The DRIVIDIA Marketing Platform is all about raising awareness of the dangers of buying BDE Certificates illegally. If caught, you could face severe consequences and might not have the skills to be a safe driver. So, choosing a trustworthy driving school and completing the necessary training to get your BDE Certificate correctly is super important. DRIVIDIA knows this is important and is working hard to address these issues.
By focusing on proper training, licensing, and insurance for instructors, DRIVIDIA sets a great example for other driving schools to follow. And by teaching students about the importance of attending classes and completing the required training, DRIVIDIA can help stop the sale of dodgy BDE Certificates.