Summer deadliest time of year on roads: CAA-Quebec

As the Saint-Jean-Baptiste holiday weekend approaches CAA-Quebec is reminding motorists to stay safe while driving, as summer is the deadliest time of year on our roads and it’s likely to be an even busier season this year.

In their recent survey, 57 per cent of respondents said they would be spending their vacation here in Quebec.

“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,” said Marco Harrison, Road Safety Expert and Director of the CAA-Quebec Foundation, in a press release on Tuesday.

The 75 days between Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Labour Day are considered the most deadly on Quebec roads.

In 2022, there were 116 fatalities between June 24 and September 1, that represents a third of fatalities on the road for the whole year. This was particularly striking for Gaspésie–Iles-de-la-Madeleine with six deaths, or 67 per cent of the annual total road deaths, Mauricie with (12 deaths, 60 per cent), Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean (10 deaths, 42 per cent), Côte-Nord (six deaths, 40 per cent), Chaudière-Appalaches (eight deaths, 38 per cent) and Laurentides (18 deaths, 38 per cent).

“80 per cent of those accidents and fatalities could be avoided. Because in most cases, accidents are related to something that the drivers decide. It’s a bad decision the drivers make. Taking the road when you’re tired, using your cellphone, distractions. Could even be speaking, drinking water, eating,” said David Marcille, spokesperson for CAA-Québec.

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CAA-Quebec says these deaths are preventable. They calculate 80 per cent of deaths on Quebec roads happen because of faulty human behaviour – including distracted driving, fatigue, driving under the influence or speeding. These remain the leading factors for fatalities on the roads. CAA-Quebec reminds drivers with a trailer that it is crucial to slow down on the road – as the weight of the trailer considerably increases braking time.

Recent stats by the SAAQ also showed the importance of sharing the road. In 2022, there were 392 deaths on Quebec roads – an increase of 13.2 per cent – compared to the previous five years.

The number of pedestrians deaths also grew by 22.7 per cent – 79 pedestrians were killed on Quebec roads in 2022.

“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,” said Harrison in the same press release.

Marcille adding, “Respect speed limits, especially when you get into construction zones. Don’t tailgate people. Take your time. Leave enough space between cars and your car. This will allow you more time to react. When you drive, keep in mind, always look left and right, up and down. Try to anticipate every messy situation.”