Quebec’s road safety statistics for 2025 reveal a complex picture of progress and concern. While the province recorded a decrease in traffic fatalities, the number of injuries resulting from collisions has notably risen. According to the latest report from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), 371 individuals lost their lives on the roads last year—eight fewer than in 2024. However, the total number of people involved in accidents surged by 5.7 per cent, reaching 30,018.
Declining Fatalities with Rising Injuries
The report highlights a slight reduction in traffic-related deaths per 100,000 residents, dropping from 4.2 to 4.1 in 2025. Despite this positive trend, the SAAQ noted an alarming increase in the number of injuries associated with road incidents. The figures indicate that serious injuries remained stable, with only one additional case compared to the previous year, while less-serious injuries climbed to 28,365—an increase of 1,632.
Serge Lamontagne, the president and CEO of the SAAQ, expressed a mix of relief and concern regarding the findings. While he acknowledged the overall drop in fatalities, he cautioned that the rise in injuries is troubling. “One death is always one death too many,” Lamontagne stated, emphasising the human cost behind the statistics. “Behind these numbers are lives lost and families forever scarred.”
Trends Among Vulnerable Road Users
The report further analyses trends across different age groups and vehicle types. It indicates a worrying increase in fatalities and injuries among young individuals aged 15 to 24, as well as among seniors aged 75 and older. Notably, incidents involving heavy vehicles and pedestrians have also risen, raising alarms about the safety of these vulnerable groups on the roads.
In comparing the 2025 data with averages from 2020 to 2024, the SAAQ highlighted a concerning trajectory for these demographics. The board plans to implement targeted awareness campaigns aimed at improving road safety and reducing fatalities, particularly among at-risk populations.
Progress Amidst Challenges
Interestingly, the SAAQ noted that the number of collisions remains lower than pre-pandemic levels, despite an increase in the number of vehicles on Quebec roads. This suggests that some positive behavioural changes may have emerged during the pandemic, although the rise in injuries indicates that further efforts are necessary.
The highest recorded number of road fatalities in Quebec occurred in 1973, when 2,209 lives were lost. Since then, there has been a significant decline thanks to improved safety measures and awareness campaigns. However, the current statistics remind us that the journey towards safer roads is far from complete.
Why it Matters
The mixed results from Quebec’s road safety report underline the delicate balance between progress and ongoing challenges in traffic safety. While fewer fatalities are a cause for optimism, the rise in injuries serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities still present on our roads. As authorities strive to enhance safety measures and public awareness, the focus must remain on protecting all road users, especially the most vulnerable. The data not only reflects trends but also highlights the urgent need for continued vigilance and action to ensure that every journey is a safe one.