What is the most common type of collision in Canada?

Car accident rates are a significant public health concern in Canada that not only impacts thousands of lives each year but also contributes to increasing insurance premiums. In 2023, there were 1,964 motor vehicle fatalities, the highest in ten years, and 9,261 serious injuries, the highest in five years, as reported by Transport Canada.

Understanding these causes will not only help you stay safe when you're behind the wheel, but can also support changes in traffic regulations and the insurance industry as a whole. In this guide, we'll be outlining the top 5 causes of car accidents in Canada, how collision statistics vary by province, tips to avoid accidents, and more.

Top five causes of car accidents in Canada

While there are numerous types of driving behaviours that can lead to auto accidents, let's take a look at the top five contributing factors to the most common types of car accidents:

1. Distracted driving

For quite some time, distracted driving has been the number one cause of collisions in Canada. Whether it be texting and driving, adjusting your GPS, eating, or other distractions, when your attention is taken away from the road ahead of you, your chances of being involved in a collision increase significantly.

According to the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), drivers who are distracted are eight times more likely to be involved in a collision or near-crash event than non-distracted motorists. In fact, in 2017, Canadian Underwriter reported that in British Columbia, distracted driving surpassed impaired driving as the cause of passenger vehicle fatalities.

The same can be said in Ontario, where a report by HelloSafe concludes that 18% of fatal collisions in the province are caused by distracted driving, which further underscores the growing concern of distracted driving-related motor vehicle fatalities in the country.

Although every province has legislation prohibiting handheld devices, enforcement issues, as well as the growth of smart watches and in-car monitors, make distraction an urgent safety concern.

2. Driving over the speed limit

Driving over the speed limit is also a common driving behaviour that can lead to passenger vehicle fatalities and serious injuries. According to the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), almost 70% of Canadians admit to speeding in residential neighbourhoods at least once in the past year, and 50% say they regularly speed on the highway.

Exceeding the speed limit impairs a driver's ability to react to dangers and amplifies the force of impact in a car accident. Transport Canada data shows that speeding contributes to approximately 25% of fatal crashes annually.

Given the severity and frequency of drivers travelling over the speed limit in residential areas, some parts of Toronto have implemented Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) systems, which combine a camera and a speed gauge to identify and take photographs of cars going faster than the posted speed limit, with studies showing that these devices lead to a 80% of speeding in these areas.

3. Driving under the influence

Although driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is a criminal offence in Canada, impaired driving remains a leading cause of driver and passenger fatalities. In 2023, Statistics Canada recorded 71,602 impaired driving occurrences in Canada. This amounts to an occurrence rate of 179 per 100,000 population. And even though this marks a downward trend compared to previous years, impaired driving is not something that can be ignored, especially for motorcyclists.

Between 2016 and 2020, approximately one-third of fatal collisions involving motorcycles were a direct result of impaired driving behaviours. Impaired driving increases your risk of a car accident for many reasons, including:

• Reaction time: When you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, your reflexes are slower. Thus, when you’re driving, you won’t have the ability to react to various hazards and conditions quickly.

• Coordination: When you’re drunk or high, you will have more difficulty with coordination. This extends to everything from your hands and feet to your vision, all of which are incredibly important while driving.

• Concentration: Alcohol and drugs can impact your concentration. If you drive impaired, you may find it more difficult to stay awake or focus your attention on the road in front of you.

• Vision: Alcohol, in particular, has been shown to slow a driver’s eye muscle function and eye movement. It can also blur your vision, which negatively affects your ability to drive.

• Tracking: To drive safely, you must be able to safely judge the positions and locations of other cars, pedestrians, and objects on the road. When you’re drunk, your ability to do this is diminished, which is why drunk drivers often swerve and speed.

4. Inclement weather

Canada's diverse climate creates driving hazards year-round. From freezing rain, heavy snowfall, fog, and high winds, inclement weather can cause poor road conditions that often lead to driver and passenger fatalities. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, during the wintertime, the number of motor vehicle claims resulting from weather-related car accidents increases substantially.

With $3.1 billion in insured damages from severe weather events in 2023, climate change continues to grow in influence when it comes to road safety and rising insurance premiums.

5. Failure to obey traffic laws

Failing to abide by traffic laws and signs can lead to significant road traffic injuries and deaths. Whether it be running red lights or failing to stop at a stop sign, these risky driving behaviours can lead to high-side impact collisions, especially at intersections.

According to the National Collision Database, intersections in Canada accounted for 27% of fatal accidents and 41% of serious injuries in 2020. This issue is especially problematic in urban areas where high traffic volume in intersections increases the risk of rushed decisions and missed traffic signals.

Comparison chart: Most common types of collisions in Canada

This comparison chart highlights the most common types of collisions in Canada, outlining their relative frequency, typical causes, and impacts. Use it to quickly identify key risk areas and inform safer driving decisions:

How motor vehicle accidents vary by provinces and territories in Canada

Canada's broad geography and diverse climate lead to regional differences in motor vehicle crash causes. Here's a more detailed look at the collision differences across the country:

Urban vs. Rural

According to Transport Canada's Road Safety in Canada 2020 research study, around 65% of fatal collisions occurred on rural roads, whereas 71% of auto accident injuries occurred on city roadways.

British Columbia

Every day, about 760 car accidents occur in British Columbia, with approximately 150 leading to serious injuries or fatalities. With vast mountains, heavy rainfall, and winding roads like the Sea-to-Sky and Coquihalla Highway are notorious for sudden snowstorms and icy conditions, leading to frequent accidents during winter months. According to Global News, excessive speed is one of the leading causes of vehicle collisions in the province.

Ontario

As we mentioned earlier, the leading cause of vehicle fatalities in Ontario, according to Statistics Canada, is distracted driving. On average, there are approximately 550 per day, resulting in 200,000 collisions a year. Of these 200,0000 collisions, 35% result in serious injuries that require medical attention, with fatal crashes accounting for approximately 1 to 2%.

Alberta

According to the Alberta government, there were over 100,000 reported crashes in 2021, which equates to over 280 collisions every day. CTV Canada, along with data collected by Transport Canada and Statistics Canada, states that Alberta leads the country in distracted driving-related vehicle fatalities. Furthermore, Alberta has a high rate of collisions involving large animals, especially in rural areas. High-speed roads in rural areas and widespread wildlife increase the likelihood of these incidents.

Quebec

The Quebec Road Safety Record states that 379 vehicle fatalities occurred in Quebec in 2024. This corresponds to a 5.6% increase when compared to the provincial averages between 2019 and 2023. Additionally, 1,276 experienced serious injuries, representing a 1.7% increase compared to the period from 2019 to the average.

National Collision Statistics

Transport Canada's 2023 collision report states:

• 1,964 motor vehicle fatalities (a 2.8% increase from 2022)

• 9,261 serious injuries

• Collisions involving pedestrians accounted for 17.5% of all road fatalities

How technology is reducing (or increasing) risk factors leading to collisions

As automotive technology advances, modern vehicles are becoming safer for Canadian drivers. But there are some downsides. Let's take a closer look:

Advanced driver assist systems

Lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warnings, and adaptive cruise control are just some of the features provided by Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These devices are designed to reduce human errors and have proven to be beneficial in lowering collision rates. However, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) do come with risks, including:

• Malfunctioning software that could lead to collisions.

• The possibility of drivers becoming over-reliant on these systems, which could lead to a higher risk of collisions.

Safe driving apps

Mobile apps like LifeSaver, OnMyWay, Drive Smart Canada, and DriveWise automatically turn off your notifications and track a driver's behaviours behind the wheel. Safe driving behaviours are then rewarded with discounts on insurance premiums with many insurance providers, like Intact Insurance.

In-Dash infotainment systems

Infotainment screens provide GPS, music, and phone access for drivers while on the go. While these applications are meant to provide convenience, they can also be a risk factor that leads to serious injuries and passenger vehicle fatalities. Transport Canada indicates that taking your eyes off the road for more than 2 seconds can increase your risk of being in a motor vehicle collision. The issue with these infotainment systems is that drivers often take their attention away from the road for 5 seconds or more, which is more than enough time to cause a vehicle accident.

How to avoid an auto accident while operating a vehicle

Given the alarming rate of road traffic deaths and serious injuries that occur in Canada annually, knowing how to operate a motor vehicle safely is essential to keeping yourself, your passengers, and other motorists on the road safe and lowering your crash risk. Follow these steps to help prevent auto accidents while driving:

Stay focused

• Use safe driving apps: Download apps like LifeSaver, OnMyWay, Drive Smart Canada, or DriveWise to prevent yourself from being distracted by texts and other notifications on your phone while driving.

• Plan your trip ahead of time: To prevent yourself from changing songs or looking at your GPS, plan your route ahead of time and make a playlist to avoid being on your in-car infotainment system.

• Take scheduled breaks: For long-distance drives, make it a habit to pull over every 1.5–2 hours to rest your eyes, use the bathroom, and stay alert. Being tired can substantially impact your driving ability, similar to being under the influence.

Drive the speed limit

• Download speeding apps: Apps like Waze are designed to alert you when you’re exceeding posted limits in the areas you're driving to help keep you accountable when you're displaying risky behaviour.

• Cruise control: On highways, consider enabling cruise control in your car. This setting helps maintain a safe, steady speed. Note that not all vehicles have cruise control, but most of the safest SUVs and reliable car brands in Canada do. If you have an older vehicle, this may not be an option.

• Adjust your habits for current conditions: Always reduce your speed if you're driving in poor weather, parks, construction zones, parking lots, and school zones.

Prepare for weather conditions

• Winter tires: In provinces like Quebec and British Columbia, winter tires

• Check road conditions before driving: Websites like 511 Alberta, Ontario’s Traveller Information Services, and New Brunswick 511 offer real-time updates on closures, hazards, traffic congestion, and more.

• Drive defensively in fog or rain: Use your headlights, leave extra space between vehicles, and avoid sudden braking to prevent rear-end collisions.

Obey traffic signs and signals

• No rolling stops: Come to a full stop at stop signs and red lights. Intersections are notorious for high-speed T-bone crashes that can lead to serious injuries and passenger vehicle fatalities.

• Understand posted signs: All provinces use different traffic signs. If you're taking a road trip out of province, take a moment to familiarize yourself before heading out onto the road.

• Don’t rush the yellow: Yellow lights mean prepare to stop, not speed up. Accelerating through yellow lights increases your risk of being in a collision.

Avoid impaired driving

• Plan ahead: Use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft, public transit, taxis, or call a friend if you plan to drink and need a safe ride home.

• Know your medication side effects: Some prescription or over-the-counter drugs can affect your driving ability and alertness. Make sure to speak with your doctor before taking any new medications.

• Don’t drive high: Cannabis can slow your reaction time and alter your depth perception. Make sure to wait at least 6 hours before driving after you have ingested cannabis.

What are the most dangerous times to drive?

Weekday rush hour between 3 PM and 6 PM, and weekend nights between 9 PM and 2 AM are peak times for collisions. From visibility issues, fatigue to traffic congestion, and higher rates of impaired driving, these are contributing factors to high crash risks.

How many crashes are caused by distracted driving per year?

According to Transport Canada data, distracted driving causes roughly 21% of fatal crashes each year.

What counts as distracted driving?

Distracted driving definitions can vary between provinces and territories. However, common risk factors considered distractions include:

• Texting and driving

• Being on a phone call

• Eating or driving

• Using your entertainment or navigation system

What should I do if I witness or am involved in a distracted driving incident?

If you witness a motor vehicle collision or are involved in a distracted driving incident, safely pull over to the side of the road and contact local law enforcement for assistance. If it's safe to do so, record the license plate and time of the incident. Remember, for your safety, never attempt to confront another driver on the road.

Common injuries resulting from car accidents in Canada

A significant portion of those involved in motor vehicle accidents in Canada suffer injuries, if not fatalities. Common car accident injuries experienced include:

Traumatic brain injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are sudden injuries that cause damage to the brain. They occur when your head suffers a bump or blow, or if an object penetrates your skull in any way. TBIs range from mild to moderate to severe. Severe cases of TBI can lead to a coma or even death.

Spinal cord injuries

Spinal cord injuries are those that cause damage to the spinal cord or the nerves at the bottom of the spinal canal. Spinal cord injuries can significantly impact bodily functions. For instance, they can result in a loss of movement, a loss of bladder or bowel control, and a loss of sensation (paralysis).

Broken bones

It is also not uncommon for car accidents to result in broken bones. Affected bones could be anything from ribs and arms to legs, ankles, and wrists. Although most broken bones can be repaired, this can take time. Minor cases, such as fractures, may be fixed with a cast.

Lacerations and road rash

Lacerations and road rash are perhaps the most minor examples of injuries that may come from a collision. That said, they can still be severe. For example, if a flying object, such as broken glass or a piece of sheet metal, were to hit you during the crash, this could lead to deep lacerations and a lot of blood loss.

Further, a driver or passenger may incur bruises if thrown against their car's interior or exterior during the accident. Road rash may also result from an accident if someone involved is thrown or dragged across pavement or concrete. The friction of the pavement causes road rash.

The bottom line

Understanding the contributing factors of collisions in Canada is the first step toward preventing them. While distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving play a significant portion in driver fatalities and serious injuries, aggressive driving, weather, also play a role. To avoid vehicle collisions, practicing safe driving habits is key.

You'll also need a comprehensive car insurance plan in place to ensure you're financially protected should injuries or fatalities occur. Here at BrokerLink, we specialize in tailor-made auto insurance coverage. We can find a policy that complies with local laws and meets your needs.

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