The Traffic Injury Research Foundation has a long tradition of conducting road safety research and sharing knowledge. Our work has influenced policy, programs and practice in Canada and many other jurisdictions. In celebration of our 60th anniversary, we are taking a look at important milestones that mark our history.
My predecessor and mentor, Dr. Herb Simpson led the organization as President & CEO from 1975 until I was nominated by the Board to fill this role in 2006. Under his leadership, some of TIRF’s earliest achievements included the creation of TIRF’s National Fatality Database which has been the foundation for many of our studies. TIRF also was instrumental in the development of driver education and graduated driver programs, motorcycle training, and identifying high-BAC, persistent impaired drivers as a significant contributor to the alcohol-crash problem.
Today, our focus on young drivers and impaired drivers remains a hallmark of our work. Some of our latest young driver initiatives include working with Ford Canada to deliver the Driving Skills for Life program, our young driver vodcast series, and the re-development of TIRF’s New Driver Centre. Focal points of our impaired driving work include our annual Road Safety Monitors in Canada and the United States, as well as our Sober Smart Driving alcohol education program and Drug-Impaired Driving Learning Centre. We are also collaborating with a diverse group of stakeholders to execute a National Action Plan through our Impaired Driving Coalition of Canada in partnership with Diageo. Stay tuned for more to come.
Warmest regards,
Robyn Robertson
TIRF President & CEO
