Quebec’s auto insurance authority has reported a decrease in road fatalities for 2025, but a troubling rise in the number of injuries resulting from traffic collisions. According to the latest safety report from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), 371 individuals lost their lives on the province’s roads last year, representing a decline of eight compared to 2024. However, the total number of people involved in accidents surged by 5.7 per cent, reaching a staggering 30,018.
A Mixed Bag of Statistics
The SAAQ’s report indicates that the rate of traffic-related deaths per 100,000 residents has also slightly improved, dropping from 4.2 in 2024 to 4.1 in 2025. Nonetheless, the figures reveal a complex picture: while the number of serious injuries remained relatively stable, with just one additional case compared to the previous year, less-serious injuries jumped dramatically. In total, 28,365 individuals sustained minor injuries in 2025, an increase of 1,632 from the prior year.
Despite the growth in injuries, the SAAQ pointed out a notable silver lining: the total number of individuals involved in collisions remains below pre-pandemic levels, despite an increase in the number of vehicles on the road. This is a positive sign, yet the rising injury rate still raises alarms among officials.
Concerns from Leadership
Serge Lamontagne, president and CEO of the SAAQ, voiced his apprehension regarding the upward trend in injuries. He emphasised the stark reality that, on average, one person continues to die each day on Quebec’s roads. “One death is always one death too many,” Lamontagne stated in a press release. “Behind these numbers are lives lost and families forever scarred.” His words underscore the human cost behind the statistics.
The report also highlights a troubling trend among younger drivers aged 15 to 24, as well as among seniors aged 75 and above, who have seen an increase in fatalities and injuries. Furthermore, incidents involving heavy vehicles and pedestrians are on the rise, indicating a need for targeted interventions.
Future Initiatives
In light of these findings, Lamontagne announced that the SAAQ is preparing to launch additional awareness campaigns aimed at reducing road fatalities and injuries. The authority is committed to fostering safer driving habits and enhancing public education on road safety.
Historically, Quebec has made significant strides in reducing road deaths since 1973, when a staggering 2,209 individuals were killed. This decline is particularly noteworthy given the ever-increasing number of cars and drivers navigating the province’s roadways.
Why it Matters
The contrasting trends in Quebec’s road safety statistics reflect a pressing need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect all road users. While the decrease in fatalities is a cause for cautious optimism, the rise in injuries, particularly among vulnerable populations, highlights the ongoing challenges facing transport safety in the province. Effective awareness campaigns and targeted interventions will be crucial in ensuring that the progress made does not stall, and that the ultimate goal of zero deaths on Quebec roads becomes a reality.
