End of construction holidays: caution is still advised on the roads

End of construction holidays: caution is still advised on the roads

The construction holiday is now over, but authorities are reminding drivers to remain vigilant on Quebec roads. The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), and the Association des directeurs de police du Québec (ADPQ) have released their figures for this particularly busy period.

A total of 18 people lost their lives in 15 fatal collisions during the construction holiday. While this toll is lower than last year’s, authorities emphasize that each death is a tragedy that devastates families and communities.

Preliminary data reveals that motorcyclists were particularly affected. Six of the 15 fatal collisions involved a motorcycle. Investigations also show that in all collisions, at least one human factor was involved.

Among the main causes identified were excessive or inappropriate speed, distracted driving, and impaired driving. Authorities remind drivers that respecting the Highway Safety Code, wearing seat belts, and adopting responsible driving behaviors remain the best ways to prevent serious and fatal collisions.

Throughout July, the SAAQ (Quebec Automobile Insurance Corporation), the SQ (Sûreté du Québec), and the ADPQ (Quebec Association of Police Officers) conducted several awareness campaigns, including the release of video clips featuring police officers sharing their experiences with the human consequences of fatal collisions. The goal was to raise awareness among drivers about the importance of safe driving.

Even though the construction holidays are over, summer travel continues, and roads will remain busy in the coming weeks. The three partners therefore urge all road users to remain attentive, respect speed limits, avoid distractions, and drive sober and well-rested to help make the road network safer.