Fatal crashes down by half

Province’s road safety record improves

 

Laurent Robillard-Cardinal

In early January, the Sûreté du Québec released the preliminary data - excluding November and December - of its annual road record; the numbers show a reduction of over 50% in fatal crashes. The annual number of fatal collisions on SQ-patrolled territory decreased from 466 in 2006 to 217 in 2014. The police welcomed these results. 

These results are due to many factors, including SQ work in education and prevention of accidents. Besides road patrols, the SQ continually analyses conditions and plots accidents to allow effective intervention at the right places and times. Despite this improved record, 2014 still saw 237 people die in car crashes on SQ territory and 295 across the province (excluding November and December). Between 2009 and 2013 the annual average deaths on roads reached 457, and in 2013, 399 died. From January to October, 2013, deaths on roads reached 317, and 295 in 2014. The deadliest months in 2014, excluding November and December, were July (40) and August (48) when school is out and travelers are on the roads.