Construction holidays: Quebec displays its worst road assessment in 10 years

The two weeks of construction vacation were particularly deadly on the roads and trails of the province this year. At least 38 people were killed during collisions or road trips between July 18 and August 3.

It is more than double the deaths identified last year during the same period, we teaches us the most recent assessment of the Sûreté du Québec (SQ).

These data include people who have lost their lives on the road network and on the recreation -tourism network, which includes the tracks of VTT and other roads or trails.

The increase in road deaths during the holidays is spectacular this year.

In 2024, the SQ reported 17 deaths in Quebec for as many collisions during the construction holidays. However, this year, the police body has counted 25 deaths on the road network and 7 on the recreational tourist network for a total of 38 deaths occurring during 30 collisions.

It’s a hard observation for us this morningsaid the lieutenant from the Directorate of Sûreté du Québec, Joyce Kemp, said from the Directorate of Safety Networks during an interview with RDI.

An assessment all the heavier as it occurs despite the prevention efforts made by the police body on the roads, the trails and even the water bodies.

The police have done numerous operations and interventions in the last two weeks, reports the Kemp agent, adding that Many infringements have been given in relation to reckless behavior.

Speed, imprudence and distraction

This year again, the human factor is the great manager of many road tragedies.

It is in the majority of cases a decision, human behavior, which is behind the cause of the collision. We are talking about speed, reckless driving, distraction as well as weakened driving capabilitiesexplains Ms. Kemp.

The use of the cell phone or any other electronic device is also part of the major distractionsshe underlines.

More than half of the deadly collisions during the construction holidays also implied only one vehicle.

In addition to distractions and reckless or negligent behaviors while driving, the omission to wear the seat belt is also wreaking havoc during collisions, recalls the Sûreté du Québec. Several offense observations linked to the port of the belt were distributed during the holidays this year.

Heavy record for motorcyclists

The motorcyclists also paid a heavy price on the holiday road, recalls the Kemp agent. No less than 14 of 38 fatal collisions listed in the past two weeks involved motorcyclists.

For many Quebecers, summer holidays continue and SQ wishes to remind them of being cautious, both on the road and during their recreation tourism activities, the police body said in a press release.

The best behaviors first consist of wearing the seat belt, constantly adapting its driving to the flow of vehicles and also ensuring in advance to have enough time to get to your destination, which avoids eagerness and useless risk.

About a third of Quebecers are on leave during the construction holidays.