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Quebec’s auto insurance authority has released a report indicating a mixed bag of results for road safety in the province. While the number of fatalities on the roads has decreased, the incidence of injuries from collisions has seen a significant rise. The findings reveal that 371 individuals lost their lives in traffic incidents in 2025, a reduction of eight compared to the previous year. However, the overall number of people involved in collisions escalated by 5.7 per cent, reaching a staggering 30,018.
Fatalities and Injuries: A Closer Look
The statistics demonstrate a marginal decrease in traffic-related deaths per 100,000 residents, sliding from 4.2 in 2024 to 4.1 in 2025. Despite this positive trend, the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) reported troubling figures regarding injuries. The report noted a slight uptick in serious injuries—there was just one more than in 2024—while less-serious injuries surged to 28,365, marking an increase of 1,632 cases.
CEO Serge Lamontagne acknowledged the positive aspect of the report, highlighting that collision-related incidents remain lower than pre-pandemic levels, even with an influx of vehicles on the roads. However, he expressed concern over the growing number of injuries, stating, “One death is always one death too many. Behind these numbers are lives lost and families forever scarred.”
Trends Among Young and Older Drivers
An analysis of the 2025 data reveals alarming trends, particularly among young adults aged 15 to 24 and seniors aged 75 and older. Both demographics have seen a rise in fatalities and injuries, raising questions about the safety measures in place for these vulnerable groups. Furthermore, the report highlighted an increase in collisions involving heavy vehicles and pedestrians, suggesting a need for targeted interventions.
Future Safety Initiatives
In response to these findings, the SAAQ has announced plans to launch additional awareness campaigns aimed at improving road safety and reducing the number of casualties. Lamontagne emphasised the importance of proactive measures, stating that ongoing public education and engagement are vital for fostering safer road behaviours.
Historically, road deaths in Quebec peaked in 1973, with 2,209 fatalities recorded. Since then, there has been a significant decline in road-related deaths, despite a growing population of drivers and vehicles. This downward trend showcases the effectiveness of previous safety initiatives, yet the recent rise in injuries suggests that more work remains to be done.
Why it Matters
The mixed outcomes from Quebec’s road safety report underline the ongoing challenges the province faces in ensuring the safety of its roads. While the decline in fatalities is commendable, the surge in injuries, particularly among younger and older drivers, raises critical concerns about road safety measures and public awareness. As traffic continues to increase, it is imperative that authorities not only maintain past successes but also adapt and innovate to protect all road users, ensuring that fewer families face the heartbreak of loss and injury.
