However, there is no doubt that government safety standards have been a compelling force behind those improvements. Safety standards require continued attention. Given Canada's role and market size, Canada can only achieve the desired improvements through harmonization with other jurisdictions. That harmonization must go beyond North America, as the vehicle market is truly global. The Canadian government should make a concerted effort to accelerate the rate of harmonization initiatives.
Every delay can cost lives, in addition to significant other social costs.
Canada must retain the option of acting unilaterally for safety when harmonization cannot be achieved, as it did with the introduction of a requirement for daytime running lights. Some conflict exists between standard-makers interested in safety and those dedicated to environmental issues. Trade-offs will be required and government will have to take the lead to resolve these issues. Government will have to deal with controversial safety issues even if they are not popular. Future benefits achieved in road safety through vehicle safety standards must be transferred to the developing countries, where a critical transportation safety problem will exist during the next 10 to 20 years.