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Quebec’s latest traffic safety report presents a complex picture of road safety in the province, revealing a decline in fatalities but an alarming rise in injuries due to collisions. According to the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), the number of road deaths fell to 371 in 2025, a decrease of eight compared to the previous year. However, this positive trend is overshadowed by a notable 5.7 per cent increase in the total number of individuals involved in accidents, which reached 30,018.
Decline in Fatalities, Increase in Injuries
The SAAQ’s annual safety report indicates a slight reduction in traffic-related deaths per 100,000 residents, decreasing from 4.2 in 2024 to 4.1 in 2025. Despite this progress, the total number of injuries reported has risen significantly. Serious injuries remained relatively stable, with only one additional case compared to the previous year. However, less severe injuries surged to 28,365, marking an increase of 1,632.
Serge Lamontagne, president and CEO of the SAAQ, expressed cautious optimism regarding the statistics. He highlighted that, even with more vehicles on the roads, the number of collision incidents has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. “One death is always one death too many,” Lamontagne stated. He emphasized the profound impact these statistics have on families and communities, underscoring the need for continued vigilance.
Trends Among Vulnerable Populations
A deeper analysis of the data reveals troubling trends, particularly among vulnerable demographics. The report indicates an increase in both fatalities and injuries among young people aged 15 to 24, as well as among seniors aged 75 and older. This demographic shift raises concerns about the safety of these groups, prompting calls for targeted interventions.
Additionally, incidents involving heavy vehicles are on the rise, alongside collisions with pedestrians. These trends highlight the necessity of enhancing road safety measures and ensuring that all road users, especially the most vulnerable, are adequately protected.
Future Initiatives and Awareness Campaigns
In response to these concerning statistics, the SAAQ is planning to launch a series of awareness campaigns aimed at reducing road fatalities and injuries further. The board recognises the importance of education and public engagement in promoting safer driving habits and increasing awareness of the risks associated with road use.
Historically, Quebec has seen a dramatic decline in road deaths since the peak year of 1973, when 2,209 people lost their lives on the roads. This significant reduction reflects the effectiveness of previous safety measures, yet the recent uptick in injuries serves as a stark reminder that ongoing efforts are essential to maintaining and improving road safety.
Why it Matters
The findings from Quebec’s road safety report underscore the pressing need for continued vigilance and proactive measures in traffic safety. While the reduction in fatalities is encouraging, the simultaneous rise in injuries—particularly among young adults and seniors—signals that more must be done to protect the most at-risk groups. The SAAQ’s forthcoming initiatives highlight the importance of community awareness and education in fostering safer road environments. As the province navigates these challenges, the impact on families and communities remains profound, reminding us that behind every statistic lies a personal story of loss and resilience.
