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Canadian Road Safety News Digest – January 1-31, 2018
February 9, 2018 | Categories: Quick Scan
Last Updated on February 9, 2018
Manitoba Will Allow for Testing and Use of Autonomous Vehicles on Provincial Roads
January 30, 2018, Manitoba Post (WINNIPEG, MANITOBA)
The Manitoba government will bring forward legislative amendments which would allow for testing and use of autonomous vehicles on provincial highways, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler said in a press release.
OTA makes case for green truck technology, parking
January 26, 2018, Truck News (TORONTO, ONTARIO)
In a 2018 budget consultation in Thornhill, Ont. today, the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) urged the provincial government to prioritize support for green trucking technology, alternative fuels, increase truck parking and rest areas across Ontario and work with industry to promote advanced driver safety technology and road safety oversight programs, among other initiatives.
The car was driving' says Tesla owner suspected of DUI after San Francisco crash
January 24, 2018, National Post (SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA)
The driver had a blood alcohol content nearly double the legal limit and a tenuous relationship with consciousness when his car slammed into the back of a parked firetruck on San Francisco’s Bay Bridge. Still, he became maybe the first to add a technologically advanced new entry to the list of drunken driving excuses.
How will Canada’s new drugged-driving rules actually work?
January 23, 2018, The Globe and Mail (TORONTO, ONTARIO)
The proposed rules will make it easier for police to weed out drivers who've been toking.
But until they pass, if police believe you're impaired by any drug, you could still face criminal charges.
2017 Manitoba road fatalities second lowest in 35 years: Manitoba Public Insurance
January 22, 2018, MPI (WINNIPEG, MANITOBA)
With 73 people killed last year in 65 fatal collisions, 2017 was one of the safest years on Manitoba public roadways since 1982, based on preliminary analysis released by Manitoba Public Insurance. 2017 results were second only to 2014 when 68 fatalities were reported.
Dementia and driving: How to plan ahead for the day you give up the keys
January 21, 2018, The Globe and Mail (TORONTO, ONTARIO)
One of the biggest shocks for someone with dementia comes the day a doctor says, "I'm sorry, but you can't drive anymore."
For older adults who depend on their cars to get around, it's the equivalent of banning a millennial from using a smartphone ever again. Driving is a ticket to freedom, a privilege of adulthood few expect to give up.
New online resources now available to address risks associated with distracted driving
January 17, 2018, TIRF (OTTAWA, ONTARIO)
Canadian Coalition on Distracted Driving (CCDD) today launched a new web-based information hub at www.diad.tirf.ca/ehub. It was designed as a resource with tools to help governments and interested stakeholders develop effective strategies to reduce distracted driving…
Province sets next policy directions for cannabis legalization
January 16, 2018, Government of PEI (CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI)
As Prince Edward Island works to meet the federal government’s timeline for cannabis legalization this summer, the province continues to set policy direction to meet the needs and expectations of Islanders.
The province today (January 16) announced next steps in the areas of possession, drug-impaired driving, transporting, harm reduction and education, and details on our retail model and suppliers. Government continues to consult with partners including municipalities, law enforcement, the medical community, education, justice system, and the agricultural community.
GM introduces Cruise AV, a self-driving car with no steering wheel or pedals
January 12, 2018, The Globe and Mail (DETROIT, MICHIGAN)
General Motors is seeking U.S. government approval for a fully autonomous car – one without a steering wheel, brake pedal or accelerator pedal – to enter the automaker's first commercial ride-sharing fleet in 2019, executives said.
For passengers who cannot open doors, the Cruise AV – a rebranded version of GM's Chevrolet Bolt EV – has even been designed to perform that task. It will have other accommodations for hearing and visually impaired customers.
New app looks to put the eBrakes on distracted driving
January 11, 2018, The Globe and Mail (VANCOUVER, BC)
Troy Spracklin got the idea for his distracted-driving app last year while pushing his son on a swing.
His son tried to turn his head to look behind him while he was swinging, only to discover that doing so is disconcerting and feels dangerous.
Should drinking and driving be decriminalized?
January 10, 2018, Bay Today (NORTH BAY, ONTARIO)
A pair of Western Canadian provinces has changed their drunk driving laws to take the criminal element out of it, and that's something that may make its way into Ontario.
North Bay Police Chief Shawn Devine says he’s not surprised to see the western provinces make the move.
Driverless cars could be coming soon to Ontario roads
January 9, 2018, CTV News (TORONTO, ONTARIO)
Ontario drivers could soon find themselves motoring along the highway next to a car with no one in the driver's seat.
The province's Liberal government is proposing to change the rules of its 10-year automated vehicle pilot project to allow for driverless testing. Currently, the testing of fully autonomous vehicles is only allowed with a driver behind the wheel, but the government is seeking public comment on a proposal to scrap that requirement.
Sask. RCMP report year-to-year drop in impaired driving charges over holiday season
January 3, 2018, CBC News (SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN)
RCMP say the number of impaired driving charges are down this holiday season compared with the year before.
Officers took to the roads between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day. They charged 21 drivers with impaired driving, compared with 29 the year before.
'Not the least bit prepared': Edmonton police brace for cannabis legalization
January 1, 2018, Metro (EDMONTON, ALBERTA)
Edmonton police will not be ready to enforce cannabis-impaired driving laws in time for legalization, according to chief Rod Knecht.
In a year-end interview with Metro, Knecht said he expects to see an uptick in impaired driving in 2018 – but without tools to accurately test for pot the way breathalyzers test for alcohol, he doesn’t know how officers will deal with it.
Canadian Events & Conferences in 2018
Vision Zero Advocate Conference
Toronto, Ontario
Feb 28-Mar 2, 2018
Ontario Road Safety Forum - Third Meeting
Toronto, Ontario
March 6, 2018
Highway Safety Research Centre – Free Course on Road Safety Fundamentals
Online
March 8 – April 26, 2018
CCMTA 2018 Annual Meeting
Quebec City, QC
June 3-6, 2018
CARSP Conference 2018
Victoria, BC
June 10-13, 2018
The 10th International ACM Conference on Automotive User Interfaces and Interactive Vehicular Applications
Toronto, Ontario
September 23-25, 2018