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Let’s stay alert on the roads this summer

Press release
Published on June 23, 2025

With summer and peak travel season just around the corner, CAA-Quebec is once again urging everyone to stay cautious and alert, and to share the road. Historically, the 75 days between Quebec’s national holiday and Labour Day have been the deadliest time on the roads. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case in 2024. However, even one life lost is one too many. 

According to data from Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), most road fatalities in 2024 actually occurred between Labour Day and mid-November—now considered the deadliest 75-day period of the year. This shift in statistics suggests that summer safety campaigns are having a positive impact, with more drivers, motorcyclists, and other road users heeding the message. Still, last summer was the second deadliest period on Quebec roads, a reminder that we can’t afford to let our guard down. 

While the number of summer road fatalities has been steadily declining (116 in 2022, 93 in 2023, and 83 in 2024), there’s still work to be done. Safe and responsible driving habits are essential to prevent avoidable accidents. 

Red light for certain regions

The situation remains worrying in certain regions of Quebec where, once again, the 75 days between the national holiday and Labour Day were the deadliest in 2024. In Laval, for instance, 38% of the year’s fatalities happened during this period, and the same trend was seen in Lanaudière (33%), Montérégie (30%), and Chaudière-Appalaches (28%).  

“We must never let our guard down when it comes to road safety. The roads will be busy over the coming months, and we’re urging all users to stay patient and cautious, and avoid distractions.”

André DurocherDirector, CAA-Quebec Foundation​

What causes fatal accidents? 

Drunk driving? Speeding? Reckless behaviour?  

According to police reports from 2020 to 2024, the leading cause of fatal road accidents in the summer is distracted driving. Speed is the second-leading cause. “We need to slow down and avoid any distractions behind the wheel,” Durocher emphasizes. 

Getting there safely 

According to CAA-Quebec’s annual survey on vacation plans, 54% 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: speeding up by just 20 km/h over a 20 km stretch only saves two minutes, but increases fuel consumption by 15%. 

  • For those towing trailers or driving RVs, avoid excessive speeding to ensure safe braking distances, and be mindful of blind spots. 

  • 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. 

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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