Lift that foot weighed down by lockdown

It seems that the lockdown has made too many drivers heavy-footed. Evidence shows that 6 out of 10 people have noticed an increase in dangerous behaviors on the roads in recent weeks. As we enter the 75 deadliest days on Quebec roads, perhaps we should ease off the gas a bit?

A nationwide survey conducted in early June for the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) reveals that 59% (1) of respondents have observed an increase in dangerous behaviors on the roads. Among those observed, aggressive or reckless driving and cellphone use while driving are noted. However, speeding tops the list: 44% of Canadians say they have seen someone exceed speed limits in recent months.

Confirmed increase in speeding

These observations are corroborated by the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), which lamented in early June an increase in speeding across the entire road network. "Reduced traffic due to the pandemic has contributed to risky behaviors for some drivers, notably speeding," explains the SQ in a statement.

«We have just entered the 75 deadliest days of the year on the roads, between Quebec's national holiday and Labour Day. If everyone eases off the gas, if everyone makes an effort, we can prove the numbers wrong! - Marco Harrison, Director of the CAA-Quebec Foundation

Ian Jack, Vice-President of Public Affairs at CAA, finds these speed statistics concerning. "Whether driving just five minutes to the grocery store or thirty minutes for a drive, we must never lose sight of the safety of different road users."

Fewer cars, but more cyclists and pedestrians

"In recent months, we have seen fewer cars on our roads, but more cyclists and pedestrians. They are the most at risk when drivers are distracted or do not respect speed limits," adds Mr. Jack.

Nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents said they drive less often since the implementation of COVID-19 health measures, and 15% said they cycle more frequently.

About CAA-Quebec

CAA-Quebec, a non-profit organization, assists each of its members by offering benefits, products, and services in the fields of mobility, travel, insurance, and housing. CAA is the number 1 trusted brand in Canada according to the 2020 edition of the Annual Trust Index published by the Peter B Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria.

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^{(1) Survey conducted for CAA from June 5 to 16, 2020, among 2,824 Canadians. A probabilistic sample of the same size would have led to a margin of error of ± 1.84%, 19 times out of 20.}