Canadians should learn more about vehicle safety features: Traffic Research Group

Many drivers are unaware of standard safety features in modern vehicles, even though these have been shown to prevent crashes and reduce injuries, notes a poll released by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF).

The survey, which asked 2,506 Canadians about their familiarity with safety features, found that less than one-third of respondents did not know about electronic stability control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, brake override, and adaptive headlights. However, a majority of drivers (80.4%) were familiar with anti-lock brake systems (ABS).

“To some extent, it is not unusual that Canadians have much greater familiarity with ABS as it has been widely available for almost 30 years; unlike newer technologies such as lane-departure warning systems, which have only become available in the last 10 years,” says Robyn Robertson, TIRF president and CEO.

“It is important that we continue to increase awareness of the availability and use of these features among drivers as they enter the market, to help keep drivers safe on our roads,” Robertson says.

The poll is the first step in the development of a research-based national education program on vehicle safety features. Sponsored by the Toyota Canada Foundation, the program will use results from the survey, along with input from road users, to create a program aimed at informing the public of important vehicle safety features, their respective benefits and ways in which the features work in conjunction with safe driving practices.