THE IMPROVEMENT OF VEHICLE INSPECTABILITY

The report deals with design features that could be introduced to simplify the motor vehicle inspection process now undertaken by most of the provinces of Canada to improve highway safety. Manufacturers and importers of vehicles for sale in Canada were contacted to determine what design features are currently in use to facilitate vehicle inspection. Accident causation was examined to determine which safety related vehicle systems and components are most frequently implicated in failure accidents. Current vehicle inspection practices were reviewed to identify important items that are difficult to inspect. Where feasible design changes to facilitate inspection were found, functional specifications were prepared for possible inclusion in the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Cost of improved inspectability and implementation constraints are reviewed.