Fewer deaths on the roads, fewer pedestrians and cyclists killed: after a particularly deadly year in 2022, the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) reports a slightly less damning road toll on its territory in 2023.
Last year, 269 people were killed, 22 fewer than in 2022.
These people lost their lives in 2023 in a total of 240 collisions, meaning that some of these accidents involved more than one victim.
This total of 269 includes the deaths of 27 pedestrians and four cyclists, two figures also down compared to 2022.
It should be remembered that the number of road deaths reached a peak not seen in a decade in 2022.
The only increase in the 2023 balance sheet? Accidents involving at least one road tractor (heavy goods vehicle), which increased from 58 in 2022 to 61.
Just the territory of the SQ
These figures show the 2023 road report on the territory of the SQ, which therefore excludes accidents occurring in cities such as Montreal, Quebec, Laval and Trois-Rivières, which are the responsibility of other police forces.
The sector of Quebec which experienced the greatest number of fatal collisions in 2023 is that bringing together the regions of Lanaudière and Mauricie with a total of 39.
“Although each death is one too many, the Sûreté du Québec is pleased to see an improvement in the road toll compared to last year,” she wrote in a press release.
Once again this year, the SQ deplores that too many drivers continue to travel too quickly on the roads or act recklessly. Thus, approximately a third (31%) of fatal collisions are attributable to these two factors. Furthermore, 16% of fatal accidents were caused by people whose driving ability was impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue.
The provincial police force also highlights this fact which it considers very worrying: nearly 20% of victims who died in road collisions were not wearing a seat belt.