In a mixed bag of statistics, Quebec’s auto insurance board has reported a decrease in road fatalities for the year 2025, while simultaneously noting a troubling rise in injuries from traffic collisions. The latest safety report indicates that 371 individuals lost their lives on the province’s roads last year, marking a drop of eight fatalities compared to 2024. However, the number of people injured in accidents rose significantly, reaching a total of 30,018—a 5.7 per cent increase from the previous year.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) revealed that fatalities per 100,000 residents also saw a slight decline, falling from 4.2 in 2024 to 4.1 in 2025. This decrease is a positive sign, especially when considering the increase in vehicular traffic since the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, the report highlights a concerning trend: while serious injuries remained relatively stable—with just one additional case compared to 2024—less severe injuries surged to 28,365, up by 1,632 incidents over the past year.
Serge Lamontagne, president and CEO of the SAAQ, acknowledged the good news of fewer fatalities but expressed alarm over the increase in injuries. “One death is always one death too many,” he stated in a press release. “Behind these numbers are lives lost and families forever scarred.”
Patterns Among Vulnerable Groups
A deeper analysis of the data reveals a notable uptick in fatalities and injuries among specific demographics, particularly young individuals aged 15 to 24 and older adults over 75. Furthermore, the report indicates an increase in collisions involving heavy vehicles and pedestrians, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
The rise in incidents involving vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, highlights an urgent area for concern. As urban environments become increasingly congested, the safety of pedestrians must remain a priority for policymakers and road safety advocates alike.
Future Initiatives and Campaigns
In light of these findings, the SAAQ is committed to launching new awareness campaigns aimed at further reducing road deaths and injuries. Lamontagne emphasised the organisation’s responsibility to act, noting that the ultimate goal is to create safer road conditions for all users.
Historically, Quebec has made significant strides in improving road safety since the peak of fatalities in 1973, when 2,209 people died in traffic-related incidents. Despite the increasing number of vehicles on the roads today, fatalities have decreased sharply, a testament to the effectiveness of past safety initiatives. However, the recent rise in injuries suggests that ongoing efforts are essential to sustain and build upon these successes.
Why it Matters
The fluctuating statistics surrounding road safety in Quebec serve as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the province. While the decrease in fatalities is encouraging, the rise in injuries is a stark warning that more needs to be done to protect drivers, passengers, and vulnerable road users alike. As the SAAQ prepares to implement new campaigns, the focus must remain on fostering a culture of safety that prioritises the well-being of all individuals on Quebec’s roads. The implications of these findings resonate beyond mere numbers; they reflect the lives and communities affected by road safety issues, calling for collective action and awareness across society.
