June
2003
TP 14133 E |
Prepared by: |
Standards
Research and Development Branch
Road
Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulations Directorate
Transport Canada |
How to get the full report
Executive Summary
"In-Vehicle Telematics" refers to devices
incorporating wireless communications technologies in order to provide
information services, vehicle automation and other functions. Transport Canada
is concerned that in-vehicle telematics devices are a threat to road safety
because they 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 phones are currently the
most common type of telematics devices used in vehicles, other technologies and
applications, for example, navigation, adaptive cruise control and Internet
access, are increasingly entering the market. While provincial and territorial
governments have an important role in this area, many of these devices will be
offered as original vehicle equipment and thus be subject to the Motor Vehicle
Safety Act.
The issue warrants urgent and close
scrutiny as many such devices are in intensive development. One objective of
the proposed consultation is to obtain detailed information on what industry is
currently doing or planning. A second objective is to understand what federal
interventions are feasible, appropriate and expected by Canadians.
A number of complementary efforts are
envisioned, including the publication of this discussion document defining the
problem and outlining possible regulatory and non-regulatory responses. The
status quo may not be viable since there appears to be insufficient effort on
the part of the industry to manage the risk. Non-regulatory approaches could
include public awareness initiatives and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
between government jurisdictions and industry. An MOU might require
manufacturers to implement a driver-system integration design process to
minimize the potential adverse safety consequences of in-vehicle telematics.
Alternatively, the Department could publish an advisory outlining the
driver-system integration design process that manufacturers should adopt.
Regulatory initiatives could include
requiring the disabling of access to entertainment systems (e.g., DVDs),
telecommunication or other telematics devices in moving vehicles, having safer
limits on visual distraction, and prohibiting open-architectures that would
allow the use of untested after-market ‘plug-and-play’ type applications.
The information obtained from the responses
to this discussion document and follow-up consultations will help the
Department to understand the need for, and characteristics of, potential
government intervention and initiate appropriate interventions.
How to get the full report:
The full report on the "Strategies for Reducing Driver Distraction from In-Vehicle Telematics
Devices: A Discussion Document" is available in portable
document format (PDF - 95KB).
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).
Road Safety and Motor Vehicle
Regulation Directorate
Transport Canada
Tower C, Place de Ville
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0N5
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