2020 Road Safety Record: Big Improvements, Serious Concerns
CAA-Quebec is encouraged by the overall improvement in the number of people involved in accidents, as seen in Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)’s recently released 2020 Road Safety Record, but remains concerned by the increase in road deaths, especially among motorcyclists and cyclists.
With the reduction in traffic resulting from months of lockdown, CAA-Quebec wasn’t surprised to see some improvements for the 2020 Road Safety Record, especially in the number of people involved in accidents. But other, sadder statistics should remind all road users to remain vigilant at all times and that road safety is everyone’s concern.
First, the good news
Let’s first commend the encouraging 30.3% drop in the number of people involved in accidents, for a total of 10,617 fewer people involved. That’s a 33.1% drop compared to the five‑year average for 2015 to 2019.
The number of pedestrian deaths was 51 in 2020, compared to 69 in the previous year. That 26.1% decrease definitely has CAA-Quebec smiling.
“It’s good news, especially since our city roads were full of pedestrians due to the lockdown,” notes Marco Harrison, Road Safety Expert and Director of the CAA-Quebec Foundation. “Let’s hope that the many drivers who became pedestrians during this time were reminded of how important it is to be courteous and protect our most vulnerable road users.”
Further good news includes a 25.7% decrease in deaths among young adults (15 to 24 years) compared to the 2015–2019 average. For seniors age 75 and above, deaths fell by 18.5%.
And now, the bad news
Although there has been a general downward trend in recent years, the number of road fatalities remains a concern, especially among motorcyclists and cyclists.
SAAQ reported 22 additional deaths among motorcyclists, for a total of 67 in 2020—an increase of 48.9%, or 34.5% compared to the latest five-year average.
The year 2020 was also a dark one for cyclists: the 14 deaths reported represent an increase of 75% over 2019 and 55.6% over the average for 2015–2019.
The death toll for people in cars or light trucks was 187. That alone accounts for 55% of all road deaths in Quebec in 2020.
Respect the speed limits and buckle up
The decrease in car traffic during the lengthy lockdown has likely given some drivers a false sense of security, with the deserted roads serving as an invitation to put the “pedal to the metal.”
There is a silver lining: 80% of accidents are linked to road-user behaviour, which means that everyone can do their part to reverse these latest trends. According to SAAQ, the proportion of deceased drivers in Quebec who weren’t wearing their seatbelts rose from 20.9% in 2019 to 34.6% in 2020. Yet another simple gesture that saves lives.
“With the onset of our big travel and roadwork season, it’s time to slow down, buckle up, and share the road with all users,” says Harrison.
About CAA-Quebec
CAA-Québec, a not-for-profit organization, assists each of its members by providing benefits, products and services in the field of mobility, travel, insurance, and for their home. CAA is the most trusted brand in Canada according to the 2021 edition of the annual Gustavson Brand Trust Index published by the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria.
–30–