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New instruments are quantitatively measuring vehicle emissions under real-world conditions. Hughes has fielded a cost-effective, real-time remote emissions sensor (RES) employing infrared technology to determine emission levels of CO, HC, and NO. Separate processors within the RES capture license plate and speed/acceleration data within the same 0.8 - second window as emissions data. Field tests have shown excellent correlation between high emitters identified by the RES and by IM240 measurements. Similar technology is being employed on miniaturized high-temperature units for vehicular on-board emissions monitoring. An on-vehicle prototype will be demonstrated this year.

Over the past 10 to 15 years in Canada considerable effort has been devoted to increasing the protection afforded children while travelling in a motor vehicle. Federal standards governing the performance of all child car seats were first introduced in Canada in 1972. Since then, these regulations have been upgraded to incorporate dynamic testing and expanded in scope to include infant carriers and booster cushions. The development of these regulations is reviewed, and proposed amendments, both with respect to regulations concerning child car seats and the provision of tether anchorages in vehicles, are described. To date seven provinces in Canada have introduced legislation rendering the use of occupant restraint systems compulsory for most occupants of cars and trucks. Their requirements, as they apply to children, are outlined.