Every year, speeding and careless driving on the part of some drivers cause of thousands of accidents on Québec roads. The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), which invests considerable effort to change attitudes and promote the adoption of safe driving behaviours, has found a strong ally in Canadian automobile manufacturers.
In 2009, a memorandum of understanding was signed between representatives of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators. It presents guidelines aimed at prohibiting any advertisement that conveys a careless attitude with respect to road safety by presenting situations that encourage reckless, dangerous or prohibited practices or behaviour.
These guidelines are intended to help manufacturers and their advertising agencies develop creative and effective messages in accordance with the intent of automobile safety legislation in effect in Canadian provinces and territories, and in compliance with the Highway Safety Code.
Under the agreement, consumers can file complaints about advertisements they deem inappropriate by writing to Advertising Standards Canada via their Web site at: www.adstandards.com.