Canadians less confident behind the wheel when they are driving in reverse or changing lanes

TORONTO, June 17, 2011 /CNW/ - A recent poll suggests that when it comes to driving in reverse and blind spots, Canadians are not so confident on the road. A Canadian Tire-commissioned survey found 38 per cent of drivers avoid backing into parking spots over fears of hitting something. And one-quarter of those polled (25%) say they've been involved in or witnessed an accident where one car was in reverse. Women report feeling more apprehensive than men when it comes to reversing with 51 per cent confessing they avoid it versus just 24 per cent of men.

"Ninety per cent of all driving decisions are made by what we see, but as our survey shows, once Canadians drivers shift into reverse they feel like they are driving blind," says Andrew Davies, Vice President, Automotive, Canadian Tire. "Driving effectively and safely in all directions is critical to keeping our roads and driveways safe and Canadian Tire offers a range of easy-to-use products designed to optimize visibility around the vehicle to improve road safety."

It's not just backing up that has drivers anxious: one in three (33%) say they're nervous to make a lane change in heavy traffic and another 32 per cent have been honked at when changing lanes. A vehicle's blind spot can range in size from 12 to 30 feet, making it difficult to safely back into a parking spot, reverse out of a driveway, or make a lane change without cutting off another driver. Minivans, sport-utility vehicles and crossovers have the largest blind spots, yet are the most popular models for families because of the added space.

Regardless of the type of vehicle, there are ways to establish better rear visibility. With the introduction of new back-up and blind spot-assist devices, available now in Canadian Tire stores, the technology is accessible to everyone - not just those with luxury vehicles.

"Too many accidents happen needlessly because of blind spots while reversing. As the temperature increases and there are more children playing and cycling on neighbourhood streets, it's extremely important to be diligent to help prevent these types of collisions," says Brian Patterson, President, Ontario Safety League. "Check around your vehicle before reversing and consider expanding the field of view by installing a back-up camera or sensor as an investment in your family's safety."

The suite of Yada automotive-safety electronics available exclusively in Canadian Tire stores from coast-to-coast includes:

• Yada Rearview Mirror Back-up Camera and Speakerphone, which allows drivers to see what's behind their vehicles while also providing a hands-free device for cellphone use;
• Yada Dash Mounted Back-up Camera attaches to any car's dash quickly and easily, providing a clear image of objects behind the vehicle while in reverse;
• Yada Back-up Sensor System easily installs on the rear bumper and alerts drivers with a series of beeps when obstacles are nearby; and
• Yada Blind Spot Assist System enhances driver awareness with a visual "heads-up" display and audio alarm notifying drivers of objects in the blind spot.

Each device can be installed easily at home or at your local Canadian Tire store.

About Canadian Tire
Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited (TSX:CTC.a) (TSX:CTC) is one of Canada's most-shopped general retailers, offering everyday products and services to Canadians through more than 1,200 retail and gasoline outlets from coast-to-coast. Our primary retail business categories - Automotive, Living, Fixing, Playing and Apparel - are supported and strengthened by our Financial Services division, which offers such products and services as credit cards, in-store financing, product warranties, and insurance. Nearly 57,000 people are employed across the Canadian Tire enterprise, which was founded in 1922 and remains one of Canada's most recognized and trusted brands.

About the survey
From April 6^th to April 8^th, 2011, an online survey was conducted among a sample of 1,012 Canadians that drive at least three times per week who are Angus Reid Forum panel members. The margin of error on the full base — which measures sampling variability — is +/- 3.1%. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.