Vehicle safety

To help reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by vehicle accidents on Canadian roads, the CMA has for several years made recommendations on a wide range of vehicle safety standards. Since the 1960s the association has urged the provinces to enact mandatory seatbelt legislation, although it was not until 1976 that the first two provinces (Ontario and Quebec) did so. The CMA believes that the nonuse of restraint systems should be considered contributory negligence in the event of an accident producing injury to vehicle occupants. It has urged governments to approve and promote appropriate child restraint systems and to require the legislated provision of suitable and standardized tether anchorage. To increase the conspicuousness of motor vehicles the association has advocated the introduction of daytime running lights in all new vehicles. In 1965 the CMA recommended that motorcyclists wear approved helmets; indeed, it believes that there is no medical reason that would justify exemption from wearing a helmet. The CMA has also made several recommendations on safety standards for mopeds, all-terrain vehicles, minivans and light trucks and has encouraged its provincial divisions to form highway safety committees. As well as recognizing the importance of appropriate and enforced vehicle safety standards in reducing the rates of death and injury, the CMA has recommended and supported legislation aimed at decreasing the incidence of drinking and driving (Can Med Assoc J 1985; 133:806A).