The Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, has announced a partnership with the Canadian/American Spinal Research Organization (CSRO) through the AIA administered Canadian Collision Industry Accreditation Program (CCIAP).

The partnership aims to promote road safety through the CCIAP program along with the importance of proper collision repairs as the cornerstone of that safety.

Additionally, in recognition of the fact that motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries, the CSRO, as part of its “Paving the Way to a Cure” campaign, has chosen to partner with automotive industry stakeholders, such as AIA Canada.

The campaign acknowledges that 43 percent of spinal cord injuries are caused by motor vehicle collisions, making the partnership with AIA Canada a good fit.

“The quality of repairs and the safety of Canadians are paramount to AIA Canada and its members,” said Jean-François Champagne, President of AIA Canada. “The automotive aftermarket plays a critical role in repairing and maintaining the 26 million vehicles on Canadian roads. Safe cars save lives and prevent tragedies such as spinal cord injury.”

“Working together to make our roads safer will have a direct effect on the prevention of spinal cord injuries, which in addition to our fundraising and awareness initiatives, is something we believe very strongly in at the CSRO,” said Barry Munro, Chief Development Officer, CSRO.

“We’re looking forward to spreading the message of accredited vehicle repairs, which in turn will keep our roads safer for everyone.