Transport Canada consulted on mandating driver-assist systems for new heavy trucks
In November 2020, CTA said ADAS could improve safety but urged regulators to account for Canadian weights and winter conditions.
In November 2020, Transport Canada was consulting with the trucking industry on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including whether to require them on new heavy trucks.
The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) submitted feedback after talking with carriers, suppliers and the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association. Its position was reported on Nov. 5, 2020.
CTA's view
CTA's Geoff Wood said driver-assist systems for Class 8 trucks, combined with proper training, could be "a significant factor in maintaining and improving safety performance."
CTA said any mandate should:
- bring a wide range of stakeholders to the table to review crash data
- look at technologies being considered for mandates in the U.S., where most heavy trucks and trailers are built
- consider whether those systems suit Canada's highway and vocational fleets, given heavier weights and seasonal and climate differences
The alliance also asked the government to offer incentives to fleets that buy and install ADAS in exchange for sharing system data with regulators.