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A
Report on Industry and Public Consultations |
Prepared by:
Transport Canada
Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation Directorate
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September 2005
TP14409 E
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How to get the full report
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Executive Summary
“In-Vehicle Telematics” refers to devices incorporating wireless
communications technologies to provide information services, vehicle automation
and other functions to drivers. Transport Canada is concerned that in-vehicle
telematics devices are a threat to road safety because they can increase driver
distraction and cause an increase in distraction-related crashes. This concern
is based on a substantial and mounting body of evidence indicating that using
these devices impairs driving performance.
While cellular telephones are currently the most common type of telematics
devices used in vehicles, other technologies and applications, such as
navigation, adaptive cruise control and Internet access, are increasingly
entering the market. It is expected that these devices will become standard
features in vehicles in the near future. While provincial and territorial
governments are responsible for regulations pertaining to the safe operation of
vehicles, including the use of aftermarket equipment, many telematics devices
will be offered as original vehicle equipment and, as such, potentially be
subject to the federally administered Canadian Motor Vehicle
Safety Act.
The issue has warranted urgent and close scrutiny, as many telematics devices
are in intensive development. In the spring/summer of 2003, Transport Canada
engaged vehicle manufacturers, industry associations, the provinces and
territories and the general public in consultations that explored the issue and
the potential response/role of the federal government. All parties agreed that
driver distraction from these devices was an issue; however, they also agreed
that it is inappropriate to regulate products themselves, as there are currently
no established test procedures or safety criteria. Public awareness and
education campaigns regarding distracted driving were strongly supported by all,
and most were in agreement that a non-regulatory approach to limit driver
distraction caused by in-vehicle telematics by Transport Canada should also be
initiated.
The government of Canada’s “Smart Regulation” initiative is intended to
modernize the regulatory system while supporting innovation and economic growth.
By promoting the use of innovative consultative mechanisms and alternative
regulatory instruments, Smart Regulation attempts to maximize the benefits of
regulation in a manner that reflects the pace at which new knowledge develops,
consumer needs evolve and business now operates.
With that in mind, Transport Canada is currently negotiating an agreement known
as a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with automotive manufacturers, which
would deal with the safety of in-vehicle telematics devices. The two main
elements of this agreement would be commitments by industry to a) incorporate a
safety design and development process, and b) adhere to industry-developed
performance guidelines, in telematics’ device design and development. The
recommended safety design and development process would outline general human
factors principles and process elements that a company should follow to ensure
that driver performance is considered during product design, development and
testing. The performance guidelines would specify quantifiable criteria
regarding physical device design, location, and performance. The MOU would
address safety concerns, be adaptive to continued technological advancement, and
not burden the industry unnecessarily.
This document summarizes results from the consultations and describes the
initiatives underway at Transport Canada to address driver distraction from
in-vehicle telematics devices.
How to get the full report:
The full report on the "Strategies for Reducing Driver Distraction from In-Vehicle Telematics
Devices: Report on Industry and Public Consultations" is available in
portable
document format (PDF - 214KB).
To view PDF documents you must use Adobe® Acrobat Reader. Visit the
Adobe site to download the latest, free version.
If you need an alternative format or for more information, please contact us by e-mail at
RoadSafetyWebMail@tc.gc.ca
or call toll free 1-800-333-0371 (Ottawa area (613) 998-8616).
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