Transport Canada (TC) announced yesterday that it is looking into mandating electronic stability control on newly built truck tractors, specifically those with Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings above 11,793 kilograms.
The regulation change, published in Canada Gazette Part I, takes effect in August 2017. The regulation is set to come into force only for new equipment, initially with three-axle tractors beginning August 1, 2017. Eventually, the regulation will apply to all truck tractors and motor coaches by August 1, 2019.
The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) praised TC’s decision, saying that the regulation could help reduce rollover incidents over time.
“It is estimated a rollover can cost a motor carrier on average anywhere between $197,000 and over $1.1 million in repairs, insurance and other costs depending on the cargo being carried and whether the crash results in a fatality,” CTA said in a statement. “A fleet operating at a 5% margin would need to increase revenue by 20 times the cost of these accident related losses.”
In comparison, the installation of electronic stability control would only cost between $600 and $1,200.
Truck News reports that this price could fall once a mandate is introduced.
“This measure introduced by Transport Canada is not only going to improve highway safety and reduce roadway safety incidents involving commercial vehicles, it is inexpensive insurance for motor carriers,” said CTA CEO David Bradley.
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