An overview of the Collision Investigations & Research Division
Road Safety and Vehicle Regulations Branch
Who We Are
Transport Canada’s Collision Investigations and Research Division is a specialized unit within the Road Safety and Vehicle Regulations Branch. It comprises a core federal team based in the National Capital Region, supported by a network of contracted regional teams located in high-traffic regions across Canada (AB, ON, QC, NB, NS). These multidisciplinary teams include engineers, physicians, researchers, and crash reconstruction experts.
Our Mandate and Authorities
Under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (MVSA), Transport Canada regulates the safety performance of new vehicles in Canada. Our ultimate goal is to reduce fatalities, injuries, and property damage on Canadian roads. Pursuant to MVSA Section 14 (1.1) which authorizes the Minister to designate collision investigators, we conduct in-depth collision investigations to:
- Evaluate the real-world effectiveness of vehicle safety standards;
- Identify areas requiring potential regulatory improvements;
- Support safety-related research and the development of new test procedures.
The data we collect enhances understanding of both the benefits and limitations of current safety features. It informs the development of improved regulations and vehicle designs. Our investigations provide critical input for cost-benefit analyses of safety standards and guide evidence-based public policy aimed at saving lives.
TC’s collision investigations process mirrors police investigations in many ways, but with distinct, complementary, goals. While TC focuses on improving regulatory standards to prevent future harm, police investigations focus on determining cause, liability and criminal responsibility.
Transport Canada is the only federal authority mandated to investigate motor vehicle collisions from a safety perspective. The Transportation Safety Board does not investigate road collisions unless the occurrence implicates another mode of transportation under its purview (e.g. a vehicle collision at a rail crossing).
What Happens When a Major Collision Occurs
When a significant road collision occurs, such as one involving multiple fatalities, Transport Canada may initiate an in-depth investigation. Our role may include:
- Immediate Response: Deploying field teams to document the scene, download EDR data, and support police with technical expertise;
- Short-Term Analysis: Conducting crash reconstructions, vehicle inspections, and injury mechanism assessments;
- Long-Term Follow-Up: Producing internal technical reports, identifying potential areas for regulatory improvements, and sharing insights with coroners and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Collaboration with Police and Other Partners
Our collision investigation teams frequently support police investigations of major collisions. For instance, following the Carberry, MB and Humboldt, SK crashes, both involving multiple fatalities and extensive media coverage, we worked alongside the RCMP to conduct vehicle inspections and crash reconstructions. We maintain formal agreements with police services and coroners across Canada to ensure timely data sharing and inter-agency collaboration.
Confidentiality and Reporting
Investigation reports are internal and not released publicly as they often contain sensitive personal information protected under the Privacy Act. However, anonymized and aggregated data are shared with partners, manufacturers, and researchers through technical reports and presentations.
When Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) is Involved
In collisions involving the transportation of dangerous goods, the Canadian Transport Emergency Centre (CANUTEC) employs a specialized team of scientists trained in handling hazardous substances who can provide 24/7 expert advice on:
- The chemical, physical, and toxicological properties of the substances involved;
- Immediate public safety measures, such as recommended isolation and evacuation distances;
- Mitigation techniques and potential product incompatibilities.
In addition, Transport Canada has a team of Remedial Measures Specialists (RMS) stationed at its offices across Canada who, in the event of an incident, may be deployed to:
- Provide advice on response capabilities, remedial measures, safe practices and chemical specific knowledge;
- Monitor and assess industry’s response (carriers, consignors/shippers, Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) holders and response contractors);
- Conduct site assessment and report to the Incident Commander and to TC;
- Monitor the implementation of an ERAP to ensure its effectiveness.
Priority areas for investigation
Our research priorities, based on road safety trends and emerging technologies include collisions involving:
- School buses, highway coaches, and transit buses;
- Vulnerable road users (e.g., pedestrians and cyclists);
- Electric and hybrid vehicles;
- Advanced safety technologies (e.g., automatic emergency braking);
- Micromobility devices (e.g., E-bikes, E-Scooters, E-skateboards, E-hoverboards).
Impact
ur investigations have directly contributed to meaningful safety improvements, including:
- Mandatory seatbelts on highway buses;
- National standards for commercial driver training;
- Global recalls of vehicles with identified safety defects.
Through rigorous investigation and strong partnerships, Transport Canada plays a unique and essential federal role in improving road safety and reducing fatalities, injuries, and property damage on Canadian roads.