Brain on board: a vehicle education programme

Drive-by-wire vehicles have become more sophisticated, and the movement away from purely mechanical systems promises easier installation and integration of new safety features as they are developed. However, amidst the leaps in technological innovations, drivers risk falling behind in terms of familiarity with these new safety features. As a result, drivers may not be aware of how to best make use of these new technologies in order to maximize the safety benefits. The Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) conducted a nation-wide opinion survey on vehicle safety features that revealed that the majority of drivers are unfamiliar with many newer safety features like brake assist, adaptive headlights, and electronic stability control. The survey also revealed that many drivers would be more likely to drive while distracted or drive in inclement weather if their vehicle was equipped with these features. This suggests that negative behavioural adaption may limit the overall safety benefits of vehicle safety features. To remedy both issues,TIRF developed a national public education program designed to familiarize drivers with new safety features and safe driving practices to maximize their benefits. The programme, called "Brain on Board" (see www.brainonboard.ca), emphasizes the importance of knowledge about the capabilities and limitations of new safety features, and of drivers taking an active role in ensuring that their behaviours on the road are not in fact undermining the performance of these features. This is accomplished through a user-friendly website designed to be a knowledge bank for all things related to safety features: how they work, when they are most useful, how to get the most benefit from them, and some of the myths surrounding their capabilities. In addition, research on a variety of human factor topics is presented, with a novel focus on how certain driver behaviours (e. g. speeding, fatigue, distraction) can negatively influence safety feature performance. The content is comprehensive, geared towards the non-expert, and presented with a focus on positive messaging. The conference presentation will feature some details regarding the results of the research conducted to inform the development of the educational program. In addition, the website portal will be demonstrated. (A)