July 13, 2024 from Western Standard
A recent study conducted by Preszler Injury Lawyers has revealed a troubling increase in motor vehicle deaths across Canada. The study found that the number of fatalities rose by 6% in 2022, marking the highest toll since 2013. With the resumption of normal driving patterns following the COVID-19 pandemic, the total number of road deaths is projected to exceed 2,000 in both 2023 and 2024.
Alarming Increase in Road Fatalities
According to the study, 1,931 people lost their lives on Canadian roads in 2022, a sharp increase from previous years. This number is expected to rise further, with estimates suggesting 2,004 deaths in 2023 and 2,045 by the end of 2024. The return to regular driving habits after pandemic restrictions appears to be a significant factor contributing to the uptick in collisions and fatalities.
Rural Roads: A Disproportionate Risk
One of the study’s key findings is the disproportionate risk posed by rural roads. While rural car accidents account for only 25% of all vehicle collisions in Canada, they represent a staggering 54% of all motor vehicle deaths. This highlights the unique dangers associated with rural driving, where factors such as higher speeds, limited access to emergency services, and challenging road conditions may contribute to the increased fatality rate.
Regional Variations in Road Safety
The study also uncovered significant regional differences in road safety across Canada. Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador experienced the most substantial year-over-year increases in road deaths, with rises of 22% and 16%, respectively. Contrastly, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan saw a 5% decline in fatalities during the same period.
When examining fatality rates per 100,000 people, New Brunswick and Manitoba had the highest rates at 8.2 and 7.1, respectively. Meanwhile, the cities of Edmonton and Calgary recorded the largest year-over-year increases in road deaths in 2023, with Edmonton experiencing a staggering 86% rise.
Long-Term Trends and the Impact of COVID-19
Despite the recent increase in fatalities, the overall trend in road deaths in Canada has been downward over the past three decades. Initiatives such as Canada’s Road Safety Strategy 2025 and increased investment in road safety have contributed to this decline. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when traffic levels across the country dropped significantly, road fatalities reached their lowest rate ever at 4.6 per 100,000 people.
However, with traffic returning to pre-pandemic levels, road fatalities have begun to climb once again. Preszler Injury Lawyers predict that the total number of motor vehicle deaths exceeded 2,000 in 2023, with similar numbers expected in 2024.
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