The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) does not intend to completely review the training of new road users. She could nevertheless invite the oldest to revise their knowledge.
The beginnings of the (fully) autonomous driving vehicle of tomorrow, the multiple driving aids seek to simplify the life of today’s motorist. They keep the vehicle on the correct trajectory. They manage traffic like an accordion. They maintain a variable safety distance on expressways. They signal the presence of another road user in the blind spots. They compensate for our inattention by triggering emergency braking. And also mask many of our inskills behind the wheel.
Today, experts are divided on them. Some believe that these “guardian angels” can make motorists overconfident. Others, that they help to protect the most vulnerable (pedestrians and cyclists in particular).
The debate remains open, but does not concern Jonathan T., 16 years old. Instead, he wonders what he will learn during his training. “My parents’ vehicles already have these assistance systems. Better yet, my dad’s car parks itself. »
Marc Thompson, general director of the Association of Driving Schools of Quebec (AECQ), is not surprised by these comments and questions. He hears them every day. Moreover, the first module of the driving courses responds immediately. “These systems are designed to assist, not replace, the person behind the wheel. Especially since some of these devices are inoperative in certain climatic conditions, so you have to learn to drive without having to resort to them,” adds our interlocutor.
Schools needed
Having become compulsory again in 2010 after a long eclipse, the driving course remains on the SAAQ agenda for years to come. Mr. Thompson is naturally delighted.
He maintains that driving schools have contributed to the notable reduction in road accidents involving motorists aged 16 to 24. “The problem,” he says, “we find it among 25-45 year olds, those who have not had to follow theoretical and practical training. »
Gino Desrosiers, spokesperson for the SAAQ, recognizes the positive contribution of the driving course. “[Butwecontinuetoseeanover-representationof16to24yearoldsinaccidentsAndthisover-representationisnotpresentamongotheragegroupsofdrivers»[Maisnouscontinuonsdeconstaterunesurreprésentationdes16à24 ansdanslesaccidentsEtcettesurreprésentationn’estpasprésentechezlesautrestranchesd’âgedeconducteurs »
The SAAQ confirms that there is no overhaul of driving courses on the horizon, but insists that work and consultations are taking place. Mr. Desrosiers adds that the SAAQ “systematically adjusts the content of the courses according to evolving issues in terms of travel safety”.
Experienced, you say?
But should training be limited to new road users only? Each wave of innovation creates a certain lack of awareness among so-called more experienced motorists. For them, the debate is less about the benefits of this aid than about understanding it. Since the introduction of anti-lock braking system (ABS) almost 40 years ago, many motorists believe that it reduces braking distances. In fact, it allows you to maintain the vehicle’s steering power while keeping your foot pressed on the brake pedal.
Marc Thompson says he is in favor of updating driving knowledge every 10 years. For the moment, the SAAQ’s refresher courses target a very specific clientele (revoked, canceled or invalid license), but they could be aimed at other drivers in the years to come. Moreover, the SAAQ is currently experimenting with advanced training for motorcyclists on a voluntary basis. The results of this experiment will be known in the coming months.