The numerous road accidents that have occurred since the start of the construction holidays have prompted the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) to issue a new call for caution for the rest of the summer holidays.
The provincial police force reports that 17 deaths have occurred in 14 collisions since the start of the construction holiday, which has been underway for just over a week. This figure includes both on- and off-road collisions.
In 2024, during the entire construction holiday, 14 people lost their lives in 13 fatal collisions on the road network, while four deaths occurred in collisions involving an off-road vehicle.
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According to the SQ, the results of the first week of this year’s construction holidays require a reminder of basic safety advice.
“If we want to reverse the trend, it is absolutely essential that everyone do their part. We must slow down, be vigilant and, above all, be fit to drive when we get behind the wheel,” says Sergeant Ève Brochu-Joubert in a video posted on the SQ’s social media.
“We know that many people are on vacation. If you all want to continue your vacation with your family and friends and have fun, please be careful on the roads,” she added.
According to the SQ, the construction holiday period always represents a time when the number of fatal and injured collisions is particularly high.
The provincial police force had already announced that it would intensify its interventions on the road network, on bodies of water and on trails from July 18 to Aug. 3.
In 2024, during the summer holidays, failure to comply with signs, speed limits, impaired driving and failure to wear safety equipment were the causes of most fatal and seriously injured accidents, according to the SQ.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
