Car safety features are an important consideration when choosing your next vehicle. The number of mandatory safety features for vehicles has skyrocketed over the past few years. Park Assist, pedestrian detection, and Lane-Tracking Assist (LTA) are just a few safety technologies available to improve road safety. On the flip side, with so many new options coming to market, knowing which ones are necessary and which are optional can be challenging. In this article, we highlight the essential safety features all vehicles must have. We’ve got all you need to know about mandatory vehicle safety features required by law in Canada.
Types Of Mandatory Safety Features
It’s important that you be aware of the safety technologies out there and how they work. Safety features can be categorized into five groups:
- Standard Safety features
- Collision Prevention features
- Speed Control features
- Vision and Headlight Safety features
- “Other” Safety features
The government’s two best-known auto-safety arms for safety features are the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
What Safety Features Are Considered Mandatory?
All vehicles in Canada must meet guidelines set out by Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS). New vehicles come with these items. Some may use proprietary names from each automaker, but regardless of the name, these systems work essentially the same way. Here are the must-have safety features in a car that are required by law:
1. Airbags
Mandatory since 1999 for all Passenger Cars, Light Trucks, and Vans (Front Seat).
One of the first items that comes to mind when discussing mandatory vehicle safety features is airbags. All vehicles should have an airbag in the steering wheel, a passenger-side airbag on the dashboard, front-seat side airbags, and curtain airbags over the side windows. Depending on the automaker and vehicle, there may be additional requirements. This includes airbags for\ the driver’s knee, in the passenger seat cushion, between the front seats, or in the sides of the rear seats. They aren’t perfect, but airbags do much more good than harm. IIHS found that front airbags reduce driver fatalities in frontal crashes by 29%, while reducing fatalities in front-seat passengers ages 13 and older by 32%.
2. Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Mandatory since 2012 for All New Passenger Cars.
Anti-Lock Brakes, or ABS, are a requirement in every new vehicle sold in Canada. They prevent the wheels from locking up and causing a vehicle to slide if you need to slam on the brakes. ABS rapidly apply and releases the brakes over and over, much faster than you can, to help stop your vehicle. However, the most significant benefit of ABS is that it allows you to retain steering control. Therefore, on cars with antilock brakes, push the brake pedal firmly and concentrate on steering yourself out of trouble. Antilock brakes are a crucial component in traction control and Electronic Stability Control (detailed below).
3. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Mandatory since 2012 on All Passenger Cars.
Utilizing the ABS sensors and independent four–wheel braking, this feature determines where your vehicle is going in relation to the direction you are steering. For example, if the ESC detects a skid, it will apply the brake to specific wheels. Electronic stability control is to keep the vehicle travelling in the direction you are already steering. More complex than either ABS or traction control, stability control relies on both to help achieve its mission.
4. Traction Control
Mandatory since 2011 on All Passenger Cars.
Traction Control is part of the ESC system, and it is just as it sounds: a system to maintain traction between your drive wheels and the surface beneath them. Taking advantage of the ABS sensors in each wheel, the traction-control computer reduces power (torque) to a particular drive wheel if it’s spinning faster than the rest of the wheels. Such wheel spin typically occurs on slippery surfaces, particularly in corners or when accelerating. At times, you will feel a little kick to the right or left as the system self-corrects.
5. Rearview Camera
Mandatory since 2018 on All Passenger Cars, Light Trucks, and Vans.
These cameras are designed for backup safety and are only activated when you shift into reverse. Although very effective when backing into or out of a parking spot, it is invaluable for spotting pedestrians or other objects behind your vehicle. Most display the image on the centre screen, but on some vehicles it may appear in the instrument cluster or the rearview mirror. Rearview cameras are usually housed within a vehicle’s rear bumper, licence plate area, or the latch for the trunk lid or tailgate. While this is the bare minimum, many other features exist, such as including “dynamic” lines, sensors and 360-degree or “bird’s eye” cameras that show the entire area around the vehicle.
6. Child Seat Tethers
Mandatory since 2002 for All Passenger Cars.
In Canada, these mandatory tethers are officially known as CANFIX or Lower Universal Anchorage System (LUAS). However, most people refer to them as LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). They are attachment points for child-seat tethers. All vehicles must have them, but some are easier to use than others. These devices must be installed on all vehicles, so it is a good idea to bring them with you when buying a new vehicle.
7. Seat Belts
Mandatory since 1968 for All Passenger Cars.
In 2015, Canada made a three-point seat belt mandatory for every seating position in a car. It is a combination lap-and-shoulder belt that latches with a single buckle. Today, seat belts are required in every seating position of every passenger vehicle. Many tout the three-point seat belt as the single most effective safety feature ever. NHTSA claims wearing a seat belt in the front seat of a car or truck cuts your risk of a fatal injury nearly in half.
In 2004, seat belts were not often worn regularly; many cited discomfort as the prime reason. Compliance today is much higher thanks to seatbelt pretensioners, which make safety belts more comfortable. These gadgets allow the seat belt to give us space as we move naturally, but instantly tighten in a frontal impact. They also help us return to our seats in anticipation of an airbag deployment.
8. Mirrors
Standardized feature for vehicles since the 1930’s.
It’s almost impossible to imagine driving any vehicle without using a mirror to help you. However, mirrors became mandatory safety features only in the 1930s. Rearview mirrors were standard on all vehicles, and ten years later, the driver ‘s-side mirror became common. It’s interesting to note that the first vehicle arrived in Canada in 1866. Therefore, mirrors were optional for their owners for almost 65 years! By law, every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or moped, must be equipped with at least two rear-view mirrors. This means one is solidly attached to the interior of the vehicle at the centre of the upper part of the windshield, and the other to the exterior of the vehicle on the left side.
Optional Safety Features For Vehicles In Canada
While the above is a list of mandatory safety features for vehicles in Canada, it is not exhaustive. There are numerous safety features for vehicles in Canada. Though these are optional and not mandatory, they still go a long way when it comes to protecting you and your passengers.
Blind Spot Detection
It appears that most drivers have reported issues with their vehicle’s blind spot. These are spots hidden from the driver’s view and are generally located on the side near the trunk, though this can vary by vehicle model. If you find cars in your blind spot a hassle, blind-spot detection systems can help. These are systems that trigger when you change lanes or when someone is in your drive spot. While useful, this is not a replacement for checking your mirrors.
Adaptive Headlights
For the most part, traditional headlights are fixed – meaning they are pointed straight ahead. Some vehicles have a self-levelling safety feature to compensate for heavy loads that weigh down the rear end. However, standard headlights will still point straight ahead. Adaptive headlights, however, are capable of swivelling to some degree based on the direction the steering wheel is turning when cornering. Consequently, these headlights illuminate the area to your right or left as you turn, improving visibility.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Often paired with Forward-Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking relies on cameras, radar, sensors, or a combination of the three to identify objects in the vehicle’s path. That awareness turns into action when the system determines the risk of a collision. The AEB system determines the action. Some systems will apply the brakes to bring the vehicle to a complete stop if necessary. Other systems will only slow the car until the driver applies the brakes, reducing impact if the driver doesn’t react.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Cars with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) were once considered a luxury feature reserved for state-of-the-art vehicles. However, with technological advancements, ACC is now one of the most common safety features across many car models. Autobytel says this means Adaptive Cruise Control is now accessible as a safety feature to everyone, and even if your current vehicle doesn’t have ACC, you can always have it installed. ACC uses advanced sensor technology to determine your car’s speed relative to other vehicles or objects on or near the roadway. It applies moderate brakes and warning signals when a driver is getting too close to another car. Drivers can set the ACC to maintain the speed limit, but when the system detects traffic or other unsafe conditions, it reduces speed to adapt.
Lane Assistance
Lane-keeping assistance and lane departure warning are sensor systems that detect lane markings on the road. If your vehicle edges along the line, your sensor will beep to notify the driver that they are swerving. This can be useful for driving on old roads and on roads that are snowy or have visible lines. Please note that this should not be used for hands-free driving; your hands should remain on the wheel.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is a series of signals that are installed on the four sides of the vehicle to create a safe distance between you and other drivers. If an obstruction or space limitations arise, the driver will alert the other driver.
Pedestrian Detection
This system safety feature is designed to protect not only you but also those outside the vehicle. This feature includes a camera that monitors pedestrian and cyclist movement and alerts the driver. In some cases, pedestrian detection will allow you to brake automatically. This can be useful if you are driving in a big city such as Toronto.
Parking Sensors
Also known as proximity sensors, these sensors aid drivers when manoeuvring into a parking spot. These sensors can help you detect other parked cars, tall curbs, poles, or other obstructions.
Mandatory Safety Features: Do They Lower My Insurance?
Unfortunately, no. The purpose of mandatory vehicle safety features is to reduce your risk of accidents. Your overall vehicle safety rating can help lower your policy costs. In some instances, advanced safety features can actually increase insurance premiums. Because advanced safety technology relies on sensors and electronics, it is more expensive to repair. Ultimately, it may increase the cost of a car insurance claim.
When it comes to the safety features and the safety of you and your loved ones, be sure that your current vehicle has all the mandatory safety features legislated by the government in good working order. If you are considering a new vehicle, look for these features as a starting point when you walk into the dealership. Be sure to price out the additional features and factor them into your budget. Speak with one of our isure brokers for advice regarding your new or used car purchase. We may be able to identify savings you weren’t aware you qualified for, leaving extra cash for those safety upgrades!
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