The 75 deadliest days on the roads: CAA-Quebec urges caution

Press releases
Published on June 20, 2023

While the National Day celebrations officially mark the start of the summer season, they also herald the beginning of an extremely grim period on Quebec’s roadways. According to the SAAQ (Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec) 2022 Road Safety Record, 116 people lost their lives in fatal collisions between Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day and Labour Day. This accounts for almost a third of all recorded deaths in a full year. Yet again, the year’s 75 deadliest days are tragically true to their name.

During this same period, six regions of the province recorded their worst-ever road fatalities. This was particularly striking for Gaspésie–Iles-de-la-Madeleine with 6 deaths, or 67% of the annual total, Mauricie (12 deaths, 60%), Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean (10 deaths, 42%), Côte-Nord (6 deaths, 40%), Chaudière-Appalaches (8 deaths, 38%) and Laurentides (18 deaths, 38%).

Preventable deaths

It should be reminded that 80% of deadly accidents are the result of faulty human behaviour, such as distraction, fatigue, impaired faculties and speed. These factors remain the leading causes of death on the roads every year. 

Regional statistical data Source: SAAQ

 

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“Each and every user of the road network, regardless of their means of transport, has a duty to assume individual responsibility to collectively improve the situation and counter the statistics. This is especially true during the busy travel season, when roads will be crowded, and caution and harmonious coexistence are paramount.”

—Marco Harrison, Director of the CAA-Quebec Foundation and Road Safety Expert

The latest data from the SAAQ’s 2022 Road Safety Record also highlights the importance of rolling out a national road safety strategy inspired by Vision Zero. By collectively accepting that erring is human, we owe it to ourselves to develop the necessary tools to improve the safety of all road users, especially the most vulnerable. The cornerstones of this strategy are frequently discussed: designing safer layouts, enforcing laws and regulations, and steadfastly raising awareness and educating. Simply wishing for a better record is no longer enough: the time for action is now. 

Sharing the road is everyone’s business: truckers, motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians. “We’re past the point of finger-pointing, and now is the time to take concrete, swift, and concerted action to improve the situation,” states Marco Harrison.  

No rush, we’re on vacation! 

Alongside the many tourists heading to the province this summer, Quebec’s roads will be taken over by its own citizens over the coming weeks. Indeed, according to our recent annual survey on vacation plans, 57% of Quebecers will be spending their vacations here in Quebec. Since the road network is expected to be very busy, CAA-Quebec calls for caution, and invites you to follow these practical tips that may come in handy.

Tips and tricks for a safe vacation on the road:

  • Share the road! We can’t stress this often enough, but it’s essential to show courtesy, cooperation and respect for the most vulnerable people on the road, whether they’re travelling by bike, motorcycle or on foot;
  • Keep a longer following distance between vehicles for better reaction times;
  • Adapt your speed and observe speed limits, especially when approaching construction sites;
  • For a 20 km distance, driving at 110 km/h instead of 90 km/h barely saves two minutes and increases energy consumption by around 15%. So, is it really worth it?
  • With a trailer or recreational vehicle: don’t drive too fast, as the weight of the trailer considerably increases braking time. Watch out for blind spots: if a vehicle overtakes you, you might lose sight of it for a long moment; 

Apply the 5 tenets of visual scanning: look up and ahead, get the big picture, keep your eyes moving, make sure you can be seen, leave yourself an out.

About CAA-Quebec

CAA-Quebec, a non-profit organization, assists each of its members by providing mobility, travel, insurance and residential benefits, products and services. CAA was named the number one most trusted brand in Canada in the annual Trusted Brand Index for 2022 by the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria.

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