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Quebec’s auto insurance agency has released its annual safety report revealing a paradoxical trend on the province’s roads: while the number of fatalities has decreased, injuries resulting from traffic collisions have seen a notable uptick. The report highlights that in 2025, 371 individuals lost their lives in road accidents—an improvement of eight deaths compared to 2024. However, the total number of people involved in collisions surged by 5.7 per cent to reach 30,018.
Decrease in Fatalities but an Increase in Injuries
The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) reported that the rate of traffic-related deaths per 100,000 residents declined slightly from 4.2 in 2024 to 4.1 in 2025. While the reduction in fatalities is welcome news, the increase in injuries raises alarm bells for road safety advocates. The report indicated that serious injuries remained nearly unchanged, with only one additional case compared to the previous year. However, less severe injuries rose significantly, with 28,365 recorded—a rise of 1,632 from the previous year.
Despite the increase in collisions, the overall number remains below pre-pandemic levels, a point highlighted by the SAAQ. Serge Lamontagne, the board’s president and CEO, noted that the rise in injuries, combined with the fact that an average of one person dies each day on Quebec roads, is a troubling statistic. “One death is always one death too many,” he stated, emphasising the human cost behind these figures.
Rising Trends Among Vulnerable Groups
A closer examination of the data reveals worrying trends among specific demographics. Notably, fatalities and injuries among young drivers aged 15 to 24, as well as older adults aged 75 and above, have increased when compared to average figures from 2020 through 2024. Moreover, incidents involving heavy vehicles and pedestrians have also risen, suggesting a potential need for targeted interventions.
The SAAQ is acknowledging these trends and is planning to implement additional awareness campaigns aimed at improving road safety and further reducing the number of fatalities. With the highest recorded number of road deaths occurring in 1973—when 2,209 lives were lost—Quebec has made significant strides in road safety over the decades, despite the growing number of vehicles on the road.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Continued Vigilance
As Quebec navigates the complexities of road safety, the SAAQ’s commitment to addressing these challenges is crucial. The agency’s focus on education and awareness could play a vital role in reversing the upward trend in injuries, particularly among the most vulnerable road users.
The data also serves as a call to action for policymakers, who must consider additional measures to enhance road safety infrastructure and enforce stricter regulations on heavy vehicles. Such measures could be instrumental in not only preserving lives but also in fostering a culture of safety among all road users.
Why it Matters
The implications of these findings extend beyond mere statistics; they resonate with families and communities across Quebec. Every number represents a life impacted, a family left grieving, or a community in mourning. As the province grapples with an increase in injuries amidst a decline in fatalities, it is imperative that both the government and the public engage in proactive measures to ensure safer roads for everyone. The path to a safer Quebec is paved with awareness, education, and a commitment to change.
