About TIRF

Areas of Expertise

TIRF research places a special emphasis on impaired driver and young driver issues which account for a substantial number of road crashes, fatalities and injuries. Its work in these areas has received international acclaim.

Impaired drivers

TIRF's research has lead to the identification of the hard core drunk driver and an understanding of their role in alcohol-related fatalities and injuries. TIRF conducted a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system for dealing with these offenders that identified existing gaps in the system that allowed drunk drivers to "slip through the cracks". More importantly it focused national attention on the need to streamline and simplify the system and provide practitioners with the skills, tools, and resources to address these challenges. TIRF has also examined and evaluated a range of interventions for dealing with impaired drivers, and worked extensively with policymakers and practitioners to develop effective legislation, programs and policies.

Young drivers

TIRF has been a leader in young driver issues for several decades. It understands the magnitude, characteristics, trends and solutions in this area, and the contributing role factors such as immaturity, inexperience, alcohol, drugs and fatigue can play. It has developed and evaluated a variety graduated driver licensing (GDL) and driver education standards and programs, and driver competency testing for both passenger vehicles and motorcycles. TIRF has also developed and maintains on its website a Young and Novice Driver Resource Center designed as a one-stop shop for parents, young/novice drivers, researchers, policy makers and practitioners.

Other areas of expertise include: