MCGILL AUTOMOTIVE COLLISION INVESTIGATION PROJECT

Since its inception in 1970, the McGill Automotive Collision Investigation Project (MACIP) team has investigated over 200 accidents and has completed 49 detailed accident case investigations. In each case reports have been prepared and coded for later computer analysis to be included in the extensive accident data files compiled by The University of Michigan Safety Research Institute. This continuing study is part of a Ministry of Transport program to determine the effectiveness of Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; determine the need for additional or improved standards, and to provide early detection of vehicle defects or deficiencies in late model vehicles which may have contributed to the accident. The investigations also provide information on accident causation and specific data for research purposes. This paper is an abbreviated review of that part of the MACIP experience which seeks to identify the nature and magnitude of local expressway safety problems, and to illustrate the need for additional and/or improved safety standards in vehicles.