Finlay, some hard facts to show these things are a huge menace to the rest of us
Of course, you would need to believe ICBC on this
from
http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/cnw/article.jsp?content=20070814_122507_2_cnw_cnwICBC study shows over 40 per cent greater chance of crashing NORTH VANCOUVER (CNW) - A study conducted by ICBC concludes that right-hand-drive vehicles are over 40 per cent more likely to get into a crash over similar left-hand-drive vehicles.
The research looked at whether the right-hand-drive configuration leads to increased crash risk, and whether or not these vehicles offer less protection to passengers than built-for-Canada vehicles of a similar age.
"In the study we found that the average time for a crash to occur after first purchasing a right-hand-drive vehicle was 223 days which is 68 per cent sooner than for left-hand-drive vehicles, which was 705 days," said Peter Cooper, ICBC Manager Performance Analysis Services. "Based on an analysis of the claims data, there was no evidence to suggest that the right-hand-drive vehicles offer less protection."
The research was undertaken in response to a dramatic increase in the number of right-hand-drive vehicles being imported into BC and other parts of Canada. Currently imported vehicles that are 15 years or older do not need to meet Canadian Motor Vehicles Safety Standards. They do however need to meet provincial standards and pass an inspection before being allowed onto the road.
It's estimated that more than 200 right-hand-drive vehicles are imported into BC every month. With the large number of vehicles not designed for North American roads entering BC and Canada, there have been questions raised about their safety.
Transport Canada is currently reviewing the 15-year importation rule. As part of the review, it is expected that Transport Canada will be holding a national consultation session later this fall where motor vehicle administrators, importer associations and the general public will be invited to participate.
In the meantime, ICBC is asking customers considering purchasing right-hand-drive vehicles to do their homework and be aware that driving one of these vehicles presents greater risk.
"If you are driving a right-hand-drive vehicle it is much more difficult to see oncoming traffic when making a left turn and there are similar challenges when pulling away from the curb," according to Nicolas Jimenez, ICBC Director of Road Safety and Loss Prevention. "To stay safe you need to use extra caution and only proceed when you are sure it's clear to do so."
The full ICBC research study can be found on
www.icbc.com.
