Quebec’s auto insurance authority has released its latest safety report, revealing a decrease in road fatalities alongside a troubling rise in the number of injuries from traffic collisions. In 2025, the province recorded 371 deaths, a drop of eight from the previous year, marking a slight improvement in overall road safety. However, the report highlights a 5.7 per cent increase in collisions, with over 30,000 individuals involved in accidents.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
According to the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), the rate of traffic-related deaths per 100,000 residents fell marginally from 4.2 to 4.1 in 2025. While this suggests progress in terms of fatalities, the number of individuals injured in accidents rose significantly. The report indicates that serious injuries remained relatively stable, with just one additional case compared to 2024. Conversely, less severe injuries surged to 28,365, which is an increase of 1,632 from the previous year.
In light of these findings, Serge Lamontagne, the president and CEO of the SAAQ, acknowledged the positive trend in overall collision numbers since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite more vehicles on the roads, the total number of incidents is still lower than pre-pandemic levels. However, the increase in injuries is a cause for concern.
The Human Cost of Accidents
Lamontagne’s statement poignantly underscores the gravity of the situation: “One death is always one death too many. Behind these numbers are lives lost and families forever scarred.” On average, one person per day continues to lose their life on Quebec roads, highlighting the ongoing challenges in ensuring road safety.
The report also reveals a disturbing trend among vulnerable groups. When comparing 2025 data with averages from 2020 to 2024, there is an uptick in fatalities and injuries among young individuals aged 15 to 24, as well as seniors aged 75 and older. Furthermore, incidents involving heavy vehicles and pedestrians are on the rise, raising alarms for public safety advocates.
Strategies for Improvement
In response to these concerning statistics, the SAAQ is planning to launch new awareness campaigns aimed at further reducing road fatalities and injuries. The ongoing commitment to safety education is essential, particularly as the province grapples with an increasing volume of vehicular traffic.
Despite significant progress since the peak of road deaths in 1973—when 2,209 people lost their lives—Quebec still faces pressing issues on its roads. With a growing population and ever-increasing traffic, the province must remain vigilant in its efforts to improve safety measures.
Why it Matters
The implications of these findings extend beyond mere statistics; they reflect the profound impact of road safety on communities across Quebec. As the province strives to balance the growing number of vehicles with the need for effective safety measures, the challenge lies in addressing the rising injury rates while commemorating the reductions in fatalities. Enhanced public awareness and targeted campaigns will be crucial in shaping a safer future for all road users in Quebec.
