75 days of caution for a safer summer

Press releases
Published on June 23, 2026

The numbers tell a clear story: in 2025, the period between Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day and Labour Day was once again the deadliest on Quebec’s roads. With the warm weather here, many Quebecers will be on the road in the coming weeks. CAA-Quebec urges you to drive cautiously, obey the speed limit and be courteous to other drivers.

While the number of fatalities on the road during this critical period has decreased in recent years (93 people were killed in collisions in 2023, compared to 83 in 2024), 100 people died in accidents last summer alone between June 24 and Labour Day, accounting for over a quarter of all fatalities in 2025. The majority of these tragedies were not caused by road conditions or weather but by human behaviour, making them preventable.

“Summer is all about travel and getting away, so we’re asking every road user to stay extra alert, avoid distractions and drive responsibly to keep everyone safe.”

André DurocherDirector, CAA-Quebec Foundation​

Overrepresented regions

This period was particularly deadly in several regions in 2025. The regions with the highest rates of overrepresentation were Bas-Saint-Laurent (25% of deaths), Mauricie (33%), the Eastern Townships (29%), Abitibi-Témiscamingue (43%), Côte-Nord (60%), Chaudière-Appalaches (33%), Lanaudière (35%) and Montérégie (34%). Distracted driving was once again the leading cause of death, followed by speeding. 

The dangers and costs of drunk driving

CAA-Quebec reminds drivers that drinking and driving is a major risk factor. Beyond the often irreparable human consequences, a first arrest and conviction now carries a steep financial cost—one that has risen sharply in recent years. Add up the fines, legal fees, vehicle-related costs and the significant increase in insurance premiums, and a first conviction can easily total $10,000. On top of this come severe and incalculable consequences, such as immediate licence suspension, a driving prohibition period, a criminal record and complex administrative procedures. 

The recipe for a safer summer: speed, distance and attention 

According to CAA-Quebec’s annual survey on vacation plans, 57% of Quebecers will enjoy summer in the province. That means the roads will be very busy. To stay safe—and save money at the pump—drivers should follow these tips: 

  • Share the road and be courteous to vulnerable users such as cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.
  • Increase your following distance to give yourself more time to react.
  • Slow down and obey speed limits, especially in construction zones, and stay focused on the road. These are the most common causes of accidents.
  • Remember that increasing your speed by just 20 km/h over 20 km only saves 2 minutes, but increases fuel consumption by 15%.
  • When driving with trailers or recreational vehicles, stay alert to blind spots, and avoid excessive speeds to ensure sufficient braking time.
  • Apply the five principles of visual scanning: look up and far ahead, expand your field of vision, keep your eyes moving, make sure you’re visible, and always leave yourself an out.
  • Plan an alternative to driving if you intend to drink alcohol.

About CAA-Quebec 

CAA-Quebec offers a wide range of assistance services in a wide variety of sectors, drawing on a human approach. As a socially committed organization, CAA-Quebec strives on a daily basis to protect the interests of its members. And in keeping with its values of reliability and benevolence, it fosters responsible consumption and promotes road safety. 

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