New regulations by Transport Canada now require commercial trucks and buses to adopt two new technologies.
Under the new rule, truck tractors sold in Canada require electronic stability control and electronic logging devices.
Electronic stability control systems are a collision avoidance technology that may reduce crashes by helping drivers maintain control, prevent rollovers and improve directional stability. Electronic stability control technology is now required in new truck tractors and school buses. Intercity buses will require electronic stability control by June 2018.
“We’re constantly looking at how technology can improve road safety, and electronic stability control and electronic logging devices fit the bill,” said Transport Minister Marc Garneau. “These new measures not only make trucks and buses safer, but they also have a trickle-down effect of making the roads safer for all Canadians.”
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As well, separate proposed regulations will introduce mandatory electronic logging devices for federally regulated motor carriers and their drivers.
According to Transport Canada, electronic logging devices help a driver to remain compliant with the federal Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations, which reduces the potential for driver fatigue. Electronic logging devices also reduce the administrative burden related to paper log books.
“Electronic logging devices are going to ensure optimum compliance with hours of service regulation for truck drivers, which is going to reduce commercial vehicle collisions related to fatigue and cognitive driver distraction,” said Stephen Laskowski, president of the Ontario Trucking Association. “Every Canadian travelling provincial roads should be applauding this measure introduced by Minister Garneau and encouraging their provincial government to enforce this critical safety rule as soon as possible.”
Electronic logging devices that meet a new National Safety Code technical standard will become mandatory in 2020. Devices in use now will be allowed until 2022.
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Canada’s new regulations for both technologies are closely aligned with similar regulations in the United States to improve safety and to support economic growth, trade, and shipping.
As part of regulatory development, Transport Canada is looking to align its regulations with the United States, provided it is in the best interest of Canadians. By aligning Canadian and United States logging device regulations, Canadian operators are able to use the same logging device in both countries.
“The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada and its members are extremely pleased about this announcement. Our membership has been involved in the consultations with the department and are firm believers that this regulation will benefit the entire industry,” said Mike Millian, president of the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada. “Electronic logs will make compliance easier to verify, ensuring all carriers are following the hours of service rules. This will result in a levelling of the playing field within the industry and improved road safety for all.”
