Few Canadian drivers know the elements of automobile safety
Although consumers cite security as a factor priority purchase a new vehicle, the majority of Canadians declare ignore the operation of automotive safety features. To remedy this shortcoming, the Research Foundation injuries (TIRF) and Toyota Canada Foundation today launched Brain board, a public awareness program designed to encourage Canadians to become familiar with the characteristics of modern automobile safety, dispelling myths about their functioning and reminding drivers that they know best security technologies that equip their vehicle, the more they will be able to drive safely.
"Today's vehicles have never been so well equipped in safety features. It is important to understand how these features work to make the most "precise Stephen Beatty, Managing Director, Toyota Canada Foundation. "We want to encourage Canadians to become familiar with the operation of their cars and has put this knowledge every time they take the wheel. "
Brain board has been designed to attract the interest of drivers, help them better understand the characteristics of modern security, and explain what these technologies can and can not do and how they can, as savvy drivers, maximize. Thanks to this program, the Toyota Canada Foundation and TIRF hope to reduce accidents by promoting the adoption of smarter driving habits across Canada.
"If a driver does not know how the safety features of the car are working - or even that represent certain symbols on the dashboard - he can enjoy all the benefits of these safety features," said Robyn Robertson, president and general manager of TIRF. "Brain on board seeks above all to facilitate access to public information on safety features and the human factors that contribute to a safer driving. "
On the site www.cerveauabord.ca, Canadians will find a host of easy to use tools, ranging from descriptions in plain language safety features the most common, with details on the human factors that contribute to safe driving through other material and teaching tools.
Brain program on board is the result of a national research initiative: Safety Equipment of vehicles: knowledge, perceptions and habits, headed by TIRF and funded by the Toyota Canada Foundation. Under this study, the largest of its kind in Canada, researchers pose questions 120 506 Canadians to assess their knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of automobile safety and security features of automobile and the consequences of these characteristics on their driving habits.
Following the results of the report, Robyn Robertson, president and general manager TIRF stressed that "Canadian drivers perceive as being more cautious driving than others. They therefore have the illusion that the associated risks to the conduct of relevent of others behavior and never themselves. "
When asked about their own safe driving, 44.6% of Canadian drivers agree a score of 8/10, as they often give motorists a note 5/10.
"It is important that we all take time to understand how the vehicles work before taking the wheel. A better understanding of safety features and their appropriate use can have positive spillovers on the safety of the driver, "says Robertson.
You will find after other highlights of the study:
Safety is an absolute priority: when buying a vehicle, safety (15.6 percent) is a top priority for Canadians, the second row behind the price (29 percent) and to the fuel economy (13.2 percent) and reliability (6.1 percent).
Canadians do not know the majority of safety features: with the exception of system ABS and cruise traction, less than a third of Canadians interviewed were aware of the various features of modern safety as adaptive headlights and warning systems collision. Despite this shortcoming, the majority believes that the safety features are easy to use.
Know the safety features allows drivers to be more careful on the road: when asked about the different safety features, the majority of Canadian drivers say they would use if their vehicle was equipped with.
"Drivers need to understand the safety features of their cars in order to get the best. Ultimately, to drive more safely on the road, the driver needs to know both the characteristics of the vehicle and be attentive and alert at the wheel, "says Robertson.
About TIRF
Created in 1964, TIRF's mission is to reduce the deaths and injuries caused by road collisions. As a research institute on the national road safety, independent, charitable TIRF has design, promote and implement effective programs and policies, based on sound research. TIRF is an independent charity that relies on grants, contracts and donations to provide services to the public. Visit the website at www.tirf.ca.
About Toyota Canada Foundation.
Toyota Canada Foundation (TCF) is a private charitable foundation nonprofit national scale that has a longstanding commitment to the environment, education and security. It supports charities and non-profit dedicated to excellence in these areas.
