Car crashes are a leading cause of death in Canada, and the number of car accident deaths Canada faces is more than 2,700 yearly. Drivers could prevent many of these fatalities if they exercised caution and followed the road rules.
While we can do many things to lower the risk of being involved in an accident, such as always wearing seat belts and obeying the speed limit, there is no guarantee we will never be involved in one.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most common causes of car accidents in Canada, what age group is most likely to cause them, and the most recent fatal accidents in the country.
Vital Canada Car Accident Deaths (Editor’s Choice)
- Males account for 80% of impaired drivers who cause fatal crashes.
- In Ontario, 315 people died in car crashes in 2021.
- In 2020, fatigue contributed to 2.5% of all fatal car crashes in Canada.
- A motor vehicle accident is the leading cause of death in people aged 16–25.
- In 2019, 45 children aged 14 or less died in car vehicle accidents in Canada.
- In Canada, 1,762 people lost their lives in car accidents in 2019.
- 1,591 fatal car crashes happened in Canada in 2020.
- In 2020, over 850 fatal collisions occurred in rural locations.
Causes of Car Accident Deaths Canada
The leading causes of death are impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and lack of seat belt use.
1. 8 in 10 impaired drivers causing fatal crashes are males.
(Lalande)
This is probably because males are more likely to take risks, particularly when driving or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Males are also more prone to taking part in high-speed accidents. While many factors contribute to accidents, it is clear that males are at a higher risk of causing traffic deaths in Canada.
2. In 2019, distracted driving accounted for 21% of all traffic fatalities in Canada.
(HelloSafe)
That year, 1,762 people died on Canadian roads. Out of that number, 370 lost their lives due to distracted driving.
If you want to know about distracted driving in the US, find out more here.
3. In 2019, driving too fast accounted for 23% of the car accident deaths Canada faced.
(TC Canada)
This is a concerning statistic, as speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents. There are many reasons speeding is so dangerous. First, it increases the distance a car travels before a driver can react to a potential hazard.
This means there is more time for an accident to occur. Second, speeding increases the force of impact in an accident. This can lead to more severe injuries or even death.
Finally, speeding makes it more difficult for other drivers to see and avoid potential hazards. For all these reasons, drivers must obey the posted speed limits and drive safely.
4. Fatigue was a contributing factor in 2.5% of the car accident deaths in Canada in 2020.
(TC Canada)
The problem of driver fatigue is compounded by the fact that many people underestimate how tired they are and often think they can drive when they are too tired to do so safely.
Several factors can cause driver fatigue, including lack of sleep, working long hours, boredom, stress, and monotony.
5. In 2020, there was an increase of 32% in the percentage of occupants who died while not wearing seat belts in Canada.
(TC Canada)
So, how many car accidents occur in Canada per year in which people don’t wear seat belts? Namely, 33.2% of drivers who lost their lives in car accidents in Canada in 2020 were not wearing seat belts, compared to 25.6% in 2019.
This is a worrying trend, as seat belts are one of the most effective ways to reduce the severity of injuries in a car accident.
More specifically, wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of being ejected from the vehicle in an accident and helps distribute the force of a collision more evenly across the body. As a result, occupants wearing seat belts are much less likely to sustain severe injuries in a car accident.
Traffic Deaths in Canada by Age
Young adults are more prone to taking risks while driving than any other age group. This is due to a number of factors, including inexperience, peer pressure, and a sense of invulnerability.
6. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in people aged 16–25.
(Madd)
These statistics are alarming but not surprising. Young adults are more likely than any other age group to take risks while driving, and alcohol or drug use is the cause of 55% of these crushes.
7. Stats on senior car accident deaths per year in Canada show that 354 people aged 65+ died in car crashes in 2020.
(TC Canada)
Older adults are more likely to experience a decline in physical and cognitive skills as they age, making them more prone to accidents. Moreover, many older adults take medications that can impair their ability to drive safely.
These factors underscore the importance of remaining vigilant on the roads as we age and share the road with older drivers.
8. 45 children up to the age of 14 were killed in car vehicle crashes in Canada in 2019.
(TC Canada)
This is a tragic statistic on children’s car deaths per year in Canada, but it can be prevented. There are several things parents can do to keep their children safe on the road.
First and foremost, all children should be adequately restrained in a car seat or booster seat appropriate for their age and weight. In addition, parents should set a good example by always wearing their seat belts and following the road rules.
Finally, it’s essential to have regular discussions with children about road safety to understand the importance of being cautious and aware when they are in or near a vehicle. By taking these simple steps, parents can help prevent tragedy from striking their families.
Car Accident Deaths in Canada in 2019
In 2019, around 49.2% of the people who lost their lives in car accidents in Canada were drivers.
9. In Canada, 1,762 people died in car crashes in 2019.
(Hello Safe)
These numbers make it clear that there is a serious problem on Canadian roads. Drivers must be more aware of distracted and impaired driving dangers and slow down.
In addition, given how many people die in car accidents in Canada, the government needs to take action to make our roads safer. This could include raising penalties for dangerous driving, increasing enforcement of speed limits, and investing in infrastructure improvements.
10. In 2019, 78 road fatalities were linked to distracted driving in British Columbia.
(Hello Safe)
This represented 27% of all the road fatalities in BC that year. Therefore, British Columbia represented the worst Canadian province regarding the number of car accident deaths in Canada due to distracted driving.
Generally speaking, the most common form of distracted driving is using a cellphone while behind the wheel. Drivers who text, email, or even just check their phones are significantly more likely to be involved in accidents. In fact, stats show that texting and driving is as bad as drinking four beers.
Even hands-free devices can take drivers’ attention away from the road. Distracted driving is especially dangerous because it reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of making mistakes.
11. In 2019, the number of fatalities per 100,000 population was the lowest on record.
(TC Canada)
So, that year, the people who asked: “What is the annual death rate caused by motor vehicle collisions in Canada?” learned that the rate was 4.7 per 100,000 population, showing a continued decline from the previous year.
12. Out of the total number of people who lost their lives in car accidents in Canada in 2019, 867 were drivers.
(TC Canada)
They represented 49.2% of the people killed in such crashes. Moreover, 295 (16.7%) were passengers, while 314 (17.8%) were pedestrians.
These numbers highlight the need for everyone to be more careful when driving, walking, or crossing the street.
Drivers need to pay attention to the road and avoid distractions, while pedestrians must be aware of their surroundings and cross at designated crosswalks whenever possible.
Car Accident Deaths in Canada 2020
Even though there was a decline in the number of fatal car crashes in Canada compared to the year before, these crashes were still a leading cause of death.
13. In 2020, 1,591 fatal car crashes happened in Canada.
(TC Canada)
They represented a decrease from the 1,623 fatal car accidents in the year before. Even so, the number of car accidents was still alarmingly high.
With more cars on the road than ever, drivers must take responsibility for their safety and that of others.
14. 1,745 people died in motor vehicle accidents in Canada in 2020.
(TC Canada)
If we look into the car crash deaths per year in Canada, we can conclude that the above statistic equated to a 1% drop compared to the previous year.
Then again, car crashes don’t always end in fatalities. They can end in severe injuries, too. As a matter of fact, 7,868 people sustained severe injuries due to car accidents.
15. In 2020, 50 bicyclists lost their lives due to car accidents in Canada.
(TC Canada)
While bicycling is an increasingly popular mode of transportation, it still comes with inherent risks. Unfortunately, these risks have all been too evident recently, given how many car accident deaths involve bicyclists in Canada per year.
This figure represented 2.9% of all people who lost their lives due to car crashes. This number gives a general idea of how dangerous it can be to bicycle on busy roads.
16. In Canada, the fatality rate per 10,000 motor vehicles registered in 2020 was 0.68.
(TC Canada)
This represented a slight decrease from the 2019 rate of 0.69 and a continued declining trend since 2018.
While any decrease in traffic fatalities is good, it is important to remember that each death is a tragedy that could have been prevented.
17. In 2020, 852 fatal collisions occurred in rural locations in Canada.
(TC Canada)
In comparison, if you want to know about Canada car accident deaths per year in urban areas, remember that 711 of them happened there during the same year.
A number of possible explanations exist for this trend. One is that there are more vehicles on the road in rural areas, as people travel greater distances to reach their destination.
Another possibility is that drivers in rural areas are more likely to be distracted by things like scenery or wildlife. Whatever the cause, it’s clear that drivers need to be extra vigilant when driving in rural areas.
Car Accident Deaths Canada 2021
Overall, the number of car accident fatalities remained unacceptably high in 2021. To reduce this number, we must continue focusing on safe driving habits and improving road safety.
18. In 2021, 315 people died on Ontario roads.
(City News Everywhere)
In comparison, there were 578 car accident fatalities in Ontario in 2018. These numbers are primarily due to a rise in distracted driving and the percentage of drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, drivers aren’t the only victims, as many car accident deaths Canada faces involve pedestrians and cyclists.
As the weather gets warmer and more people are out on the roads, it is important to be extra vigilant. If you are driving, put away your phone and pay attention to the road. If you are walking or biking, wear bright clothing and stay aware of your surroundings.
19. At least 58 people lost their lives on Toronto’s roads, stats on car accident deaths in Canada in 2021 uncovered.
(CBC)
Part of the difficulty is that Toronto’s roads are some of the busiest, carrying a large volume of traffic daily. But even with this high level of traffic, drivers must take responsibility for their safety and the safety of others.
By obeying the speed limit, staying focused on the road, and never driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, we can all help make Toronto’s roads safer for everyone.
20. In 2021, 87 people died in collisions on Saskatchewan roads, according to stats on traffic deaths in Canada.
(Global News)
That matched the 2020 number. Moreover, the lowest recorded number of fatalities in a single year was 71 in 2019.
Generally speaking, Saskatchewan’s roads can be treacherous, especially during the winter months. Around 33% of the 2021 deaths were due to people not wearing seat belts or being improperly restrained.
Wearing a seatbelt is the best way to protect yourself while driving, and it is vital to make sure that everyone in your vehicle is properly restrained. By taking simple precautions, you can help prevent tragedies on our roads.
Deaths From Car Accidents in Canada– Summary
While it’s clear that car accidents are a problem in Canada, what’s less clear is the solution. To reduce the number of traffic fatalities yearly, we need to consider all aspects of road safety—from driver education to infrastructure design and the vehicle’s overall state.
Owning a car in Canada costs about $955 per month, which is not cheap. But that doesn’t mean people try to save money by cutting corners on maintenance and skipping vehicle inspections, especially if the vehicles work in harsh conditions.
Despite the decrease in car accident deaths, there is still work to be done. We urge all drivers to drive safely and obey traffic laws to help keep our roads safe for everyone.
Remember, it only takes a second for a tragic accident to occur. So let’s all do our part to make sure that doesn’t happen.
People Also Ask
What are the odds of dying in a car accident?
This figure varies depending on several factors, including the type of vehicle you’re driving, your driving habits, and the conditions of the roads you’re driving on.
However, by understanding the dangers and taking steps to avoid them, we can all help reduce our chances of becoming a statistic.
How many car accident deaths occur in Canada per year?
In Canada, traffic collisions are a leading cause of death. According to recent statistics, more than 2,700 people die in collisions yearly, and another 170,000 sustain injuries. Most of these accidents are preventable, yet they continue to occur daily.
Are car accidents the leading cause of death in Canada?
Every year, thousands of Canadians are involved in car accidents. While many of these accidents are minor, some can be deadly. Auto accidents are the leading cause of death among young Canadians, according to a report by the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS).
How many car accident deaths happen per day?
There is no official data about this. However, we can do the math ourselves. For instance, given that the number of car accident deaths Canada faced in 2020 was 1,745, that would translate into almost five deaths daily due to car accidents that year.
