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My name is Mark, a Nova Scotian navigating the path of life with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), a condition which has presented unique challenges in various aspects of my life, including driving. The current driving regulations in Canada, more specifically in Nova Scotia, unabashedly overlook the innovative strides in semi-autonomous car technologies and subsequently the prospects these technologies hold for persons with disabilities. 

Today, semi-autonomous car features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist are becoming increasingly prevalent. Yet, these features are not considered during road tests, despite their potential contributions to a safer driving experience for people with specific medical conditions.

The current driving test regulations are outdated and do not take into account these technological advances that could both improve the safety of our roads and provide an inclusive gateway for people with disabilities to gain their independence.

According to a worryingly high statistic by the Rick Hansen Foundation, over six million Canadians have one or more disabilities that could potentially be eased by the use of semi-autonomous car technologies when driving. We ask Transport Canada to revise these regulations to reflect our modern world's reality and inclusivity principles.

By adopting a conditional driver's license regulation allowing people with certain medical conditions to utilize the semi-autonomous abilities of modern cars during driving tests, we are not only levelling the playing field; we are also taking a considerable step towards promoting safer roads for all Canadians. 

Fact time:

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB):

A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that vehicles equipped with AEB experienced a 50% reduction in rear-end collisions .
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that AEB could potentially prevent up to 28% of all car crashes .
Lane-Keeping Assistance (LKA):

According to the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), lane-keeping systems can reduce head-on and single-vehicle accidents by up to 30% .
A study from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) noted a 21% reduction in insurance claims for vehicles with lane departure warning systems .
Blind-Spot Detection (BSD):

Research from the IIHS indicated that blind-spot detection systems can reduce lane-change crashes by 14% .
A separate study from HLDI showed a 23% decrease in lane-change crashes for vehicles equipped with blind-spot monitoring .
Overall Impact of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS):

A report from McKinsey & Company estimated that ADAS could prevent 20% of all vehicle accidents, potentially saving thousands of lives annually .
The NHTSA projected that widespread adoption of ADAS technologies could reduce crashes by 40% .
Summary of Benefits:
Rear-End Collision Reduction: Up to 50%
Overall Crash Reduction: Up to 28%
Lane-Change Crash Reduction: Up to 23%
Head-On and Single-Vehicle Accident Reduction: Up to 30%
Potential Overall Crash Prevention: Up to 40%
These numbers underscore the significant safety benefits of semi-autonomous features. Including such data in your letter can provide strong support for the argument that updating regulations to include these technologies will enhance driver safety and accessibility.

 
Sources:

IIHS: Front crash prevention ratings
NHTSA: Automatic Emergency Braking
NHTSA: AEB systems report
Euro NCAP: Lane support systems
HLDI: Lane departure warning systems
IIHS: Blind-spot detection systems
HLDI: Insurance claims for blind-spot monitoring
McKinsey & Company: The road to full autonomy
NHTSA: The promise of ADAS
 
 

Please sign this petition to encourage Transport Canada to adapt, modernize and inclusify driving regulations. Your signature can make a difference in millions of lives.