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Transport Canada Mandates Two New Safety Devices

Updated:
July 12, 2018
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On Dec. 18, 2017, Transport Canada announced that commercial trucks and buses will soon be required to adopt two new technologies. The government hopes these technologies—electronic stability controls and electronic logging devices (ELDs)—will improve road safety and create a more level playing field in terms of compliance.

The following are some things to note about these devices and the new requirements:

Electronic stability control systems

Upcoming regulations will require fleets to install electronic stability controls on new trucks and heavy buses sold in Canada. Electronic stability control systems are a crash-avoidance technology that reduces collisions and prevents rollovers by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles. Per the new mandate, electronic stability controls will be required by June 2018.

ELDs

ELDs help drivers remain compliant with the federal Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations, which, in turn, help limit the potential for driver fatigue. ELDs also reduce the administrative burden of paper logbooks. Per the new mandate, ELDs that meet a new National Safety Code technical standard will become mandatory by 2020. Devices now in use will be permitted until 2022.

These new regulations are closely aligned with similar legislation in the United States, which should help promote trade and economic growth.

Industry groups, like the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), have expressed support of the ELD mandate and similar regulations. Specifically, the CTA believes ELDs will ensure compliance with hours-of-service regulations and reduce commercial vehicle collisions related to fatigue and cognitive driver distraction.

To read the official news release from Transport Canada, click here.