THE ROAD SAFETY MONITOR: COMMERCIAL OPERATORS AND VEHICLES

This report presents the results of an annual Canadian road safety survey focusing on commercial operators and vehicles. The results indicate that 41% of Canadians feel that large trucks on the highways are a serious problem. Truck safety issues that are of concern to survey responders are: the ability of truck drivers to remain awake during long periods of driving, the use of drugs by truck drivers stay awake, and trucks not being kept in safe operating shape. The majority of Canadians support more stringent regulations regarding the safety of commercial operators and vehicles. These regulations include more frequent mechanical inspections for commercial vehicles; random alcohol and drug tests for commercial operators; a zero alcohol limit; and re-testing of commercial operators every five years. Nevertheless, the majority of Canadians feel that commercial operators are highly skilled professional drivers.