What Is TIRF and Why Should I Care?

Have you ever wondered how the government gets their facts when setting new policies and procedures? Well, if it is the Canadian government, they probably get their information from TIRF, or the Traffic Injury Research Foundation. The foundation is a registered charity that conducts unbiased, independent research to help keep the roads of Canada as safe as possible.

Did you know that driver error accounts for 80% of crashes?

If you didn’t, you do now. TIRF is committed to figuring out why these crashes occur and what can be done to decrease this figure. Because, frankly, driver error crashes are 100% preventable if the knowledge is there to eliminate these mistakes. While there are many different errors drivers can make, and many different areas the foundation researches, the majority of their time is spent in two main categories: impaired drivers and young drivers. According to their research, these are the largest two demographics to blame for injury accidents on the road.

What do they do to decrease accidents caused by these demographics?

For starters, they figure out where there are gaps in the system. What is happening to allow so many drivers behind the wheel that have no business being there? They use their research to work with policymakers to create new laws to help bridge the gaps and keep everybody safer.

What can they do for me?

Sure, the TIRF is based out of Canada, but roads are roads. They may have different laws, but the majority of their research has no boundaries. Everyday people like yourself can greatly benefit by learning about why things are happening on the road and what you can do to prevent them from happening to you. For example, their research can help you learn how to combat highway hypnosis (or you can check out our blog on the subject here) and ways to help your teenager drive safer.

The research scientists and support staff at the Traffic Injury Research Foundation are committed to the safety of all drivers, no matter where they reside. If you want to keep your family safe on the road, you are bound to be able to learn something from them; even if it something as simple as what kind of tires you should be using. At the very least, you can count on safer roads when you visit Canada, eh.