IBC pleased with sanctions against “road racing”

The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is pleased to see new controls to prevent “road racing” along with other road safety measures introduced in Bill 241, The Road Safety Act of 2002, by Ontario’s legislature. Transportation Minister Norm Sterling has introduced the bill, which also includes provisions on medically at-risk drivers, left-lane passing and child safety seats.”This legislation will greatly enhance safety and security of everyone who uses Ontario’s roads and highways,” says Mark Yakabuski, vice president at the IBC.He points to new rules that would allow police to impound vehicles and suspend licenses which could make a dint in the road racing problem on Ontario’s roads. Other plans include a ban on the use of nitrous oxide and other parts or equipment associated with road racing.In other provisions, the responsibility of medical providers is increased in reporting medical conditions that could affect driver performance. “These provisions are a sensible approach to address and identify the medical and physical impairments that can interfere with a person’s ability to drive and would otherwise place them and others at increased risk of injury and death,” says Yakabuski.The bill also includes measures to reserve the left-most lane for passing on highways, which Yakabuski feels will reduce aggressive driving.Finally, the bureau applauds the requirement for child safety booster seats for children who have outgrown smaller safety seats but are too small for seat belts. “IBC is encouraging parents, caregivers and guardians to make certain that they obtain the necessary booster seats to protect children in advance of the legislation being passed,” adds Yakabuski.