Quebec’s auto insurance authority has released its annual safety report, revealing a slight decline in road fatalities for 2025, yet a troubling increase in the number of injuries from collisions. The data show that while 371 individuals lost their lives on the province’s roads—eight fewer than the previous year—the total number of people involved in accidents surged by 5.7 per cent, reaching 30,018.
Decreasing Fatalities Amid Rising Injuries
The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) reported a small drop in traffic-related deaths per 100,000 residents, from 4.2 in 2024 to 4.1 in 2025. Although this appears to be positive news, the report highlights that serious injuries have remained largely unchanged, with only one additional case compared to the previous year.
However, the statistics indicate a significant rise in less-serious injuries, which climbed to 28,365—an increase of 1,632 from 2024. This disparity has raised concerns, particularly from SAAQ President and CEO Serge Lamontagne, who stressed the importance of addressing the growing number of injuries despite the overall reduction in fatalities.
Trends in Collision Statistics
The report indicates that, compared to the years leading up to the pandemic, the number of individuals involved in collisions has not surpassed pre-COVID figures, even with an uptick in the number of vehicles on the roads. While this might be seen as a silver lining, Lamontagne emphasised the grim reality that, on average, one person still dies each day due to road accidents in Quebec.
“One death is always one death too many,” he remarked in a statement, underscoring the human impact behind these statistics—families forever affected by the loss of loved ones.
Vulnerable Demographics and Vehicle Types
A closer look at the data reveals that young adults aged 15 to 24 and seniors aged 75 and older have experienced a rise in both fatalities and injuries. The report also noted an increase in collisions involving heavy vehicles and pedestrians, which poses significant challenges for road safety.
In response to these troubling trends, the SAAQ plans to implement further awareness campaigns aimed at reducing road deaths. The authority’s proactive approach aims to educate drivers and promote safer behaviours on the roads.
Historical Context
Looking back, Quebec’s road safety statistics show a remarkable decline in fatalities since 1973, when a staggering 2,209 people were killed in traffic accidents. Despite the growing number of vehicles and drivers, the province has made significant strides in enhancing road safety. Yet, the persistent issues highlighted in the latest report remind us that work remains to be done.
Why it Matters
The findings from this year’s report are a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing road safety in Quebec. While the decrease in fatalities is commendable, the increase in injuries, particularly among vulnerable populations, underscores the need for continued vigilance and intervention. As the province grapples with these issues, the importance of effective awareness campaigns and robust safety measures cannot be overstated. The lives at stake demand our attention and action, for every statistic represents a human story, a family forever changed.