Recently, the Traffic Injury Research Foundation released results from a new opinion poll. Said results revealed that the majority of Canadian motorists could benefit from greater knowledge regarding modern vehicle safety features.
While some features, such as Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Traction Control (TC), were relatively well known among those surveyed, other, more recently introduced technologies such as Electronic Brake Force Distribution, (EBFD); Electronic Stability Control (ESC) brake assist and adaptive headlights were largely unfamiliar.
However, despite the lack of knowledge regarding many of these safety features, more than half of those surveyed said they would be easy to use and would use them in their vehicle if installed.
Robyn Robertson, president and CEO of TIRF, said “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 also remarked that while many motorists regard themselves as safer on the roads than the average, “increased awareness of these features and how they work can also reinforce the message that safety features do not discount the need for drivers to continue to rely on those safe driving behaviours that many first learned well before these safety features became available.”
The TIRF poll is one aspect of national, research-based vehicle safety education program that’s being sponsored by the Toyota Canada Foundation. Results from the recent poll, along with input from motorists, will help foster an effective program that’s designed to educate the public on the importance of vehicle safety features, as well as how they can work effectively, in conjunction with safe driving practices under different road and traffic conditions.
“With a combined goal to reduce deaths and injuries, we are confident that Canadian drivers will marry an increased understanding of safety technologies with smarter driving habits,” remarked Stephen Beatty, Managing Director, Toyota Canada Inc. “Together we’re using sound research to build a campaign to encourage smarter driving habits across the country.”
