Who Are You?

I had just left my house and was driving peacefully along a country road, when suddenly an alert light flashed on my dash. Not being a master of automobile mechanics, I immediately assumed the worst (although I never really knew what the worst could be).

I twisted the little mouse button on the console, looking for signs on my dashboard screen, but before I could find anything useful, a large message appeared telling me the air was low in one of my tires.

Now this was impressive. Not only did it give me the message, it also showed me a graphic of the four wheels, and which tire was the culprit. As if that was not enough, it also displayed the air pressure. Before I had a chance to act, a voice from somewhere inside my vehicle, told me to slowly come to a stop and pull over to inspect the tire.

I looked all around the car and, and not being able to see anyone, I assumed it was coming from that secret room where Hey Google, Siri and Alexa hide. I stepped from the vehicle and looked at the tire. It was a bit low, but not flat. I was relieved, and pondered my next steps.

Back in the car the voice explained I had run flats, tires that you can drive on for 100 or so km and then throw away. That did not sit well, but there was something calming in her voice. I suppose that is the reason these voices tend to be female. I couldn’t imagine a male taking the same approach. ‘Hey, this is Joe. Your tire is flat because you drove over a nail… again.’

I pressed OK on my screen and decided to continue driving to my destination and then make a decision. Suddenly I heard a phone ring. I checked my mobile and it was off. After three rings a voice came on and said, ‘This is roadside assistance. I see you have a tire issue.’

I looked around, but alas, I was still alone. Was she real or not? ‘Hello,’ I said and she replied. I asked if she was real and she said she was. While she was explaining my options, I was wondering how she knew about my problem, and oh, I should say, she called me by name.

Well, thanks to a local repair shop my tire was fixed without having to replace it, and I was once again on my merry way. Now, however I know I am not alone, and no doubt, everyone knows where I am at any given time. I took my bicycle out from its winter home in anticipation of riding, but before I do, I will check every centimeter of it to make sure no one is hiding in the frame.

Jonathan van Bilsen is a television host, award winning photographer, published author, columnist and keynote speaker. Watch his show, ‘Jonathan van Bilsen’s photosNtravel’, on Rogers TV, the Standard Website or YouTube.