609 accidents in three years
The MTQ undertook a safety study on the portion of Highway 40 between rue des Prairies and Highway 55 following a resolution from the City of Trois-Rivières, in 2021. Elected officials asked to find solutions to reduce the risk of accidents. Initially, elected officials had called for the speed to be reduced to 80 km/h, expressing concern about the numerous accidents occurring there. In three years, 609 accidents have been recorded on this section, including only 5 with serious injuries, 138 with minor injuries and 466 with material damage only. Approximately 34% of accidents are of the “rear-end collision” type, which suggests that many drivers are surprised by a slowdown often caused by congestion.
A “generally adequate” speed
In its report, the MTQ says it has carried out 10,000 speed readings at five separate locations. According to Roxanne Pellerin, regional spokesperson for Mauricie–Centre-du-Québec at the Ministry of Transport, the average speed observed in three years was between 68 km/h and 114 km/h. “That gives us an overall average of 101 km/h. This indicates that overall, the speed is adequate, but also, it shows that some of the users are traveling above the limits, at more than 110 km/h,” she explains. The Ministry concludes that the speed limit of 100 km/h is “consistent with the road and safety environment in relation to the characteristics of the infrastructure and traffic conditions”. The government reached a similar conclusion in January 2023 for a portion of Highway 55 located nearby, also targeted by municipal elected officials for a reduction in the limit.
A photo radar envisaged
To deter motorists still exceeding the speed limits, the Ministry of Transport recommends installing an automated photo radar in the Highway 40 sector in Trois-Rivières. There are currently 54 of these devices in Quebec, but the Minister of Transport, Geneviève Guilbault, wants to quickly increase their number under the National Road Safety Strategy. We will surely have to wait a little longer before seeing a radar at this location, since a call of international interest has already been launched to purchase more modern radars, which make it possible to take a photo of a car in two places on a route, then calculate its average speed based on the time it took to travel between the two. Their deployment must first be guided by a bill.
More signs and cameras
In addition to infrastructure, the report also suggests “strengthening messages to users in the sector”, by informing them more clearly of obstacles and traffic conditions in real time. An intelligent transport systems project is also in preparation. For example, we are considering replacing mobile variable message signs with larger permanent signs, which would be positioned in strategic locations. The addition of traffic cameras covering the entire section is also planned. A “Prepare to stop in a traffic congestion zone” sign should also be posted on Highway 55, southbound, with flashing lights.
Dangerous maneuvers pointed out
According to the study, 24% of accidents occurred due to “dangerous maneuvers” by motorists, for example sudden acceleration or zigzags from one lane to another. The rest is mainly linked to excessive speed (22%), distraction or inattention (11%) or even impairment (2%). In total, nearly 60% of collisions are therefore due to user behavior. They occur most often during rush hour (34%). Three sectors seem particularly problematic: the boulevards of Chenaux and Récollets, which account for 16% and 12% of collisions respectively, as well as the exit from the city center with 12%. Note: a quarter of accidents (25%) involved only one vehicle, most often due to distraction or poor driving.
Hydroplaning risks
The Ministry of Transport recognizes, however, that issues related to drainage seem to affect the areas of the Le Jeune and Radisson bridges. In the first case, the formation of ice in winter complicates travel, while in the second, the accumulation of water on the left lane “can be conducive to aquaplaning during heavy rains”, notes t -we. Quebec assures that analyzes are underway to determine if ways to mitigate these two phenomena could be put in place.