During the once-in-a-decade winter weather event that swept across the province in December 2022, more than 500 collisions were reported throughout Ontario. It was a stark reminder of the importance of caution on our province’s roads and highways, not just during inclement weather but in all conditions.
You are not alone if you feel increasingly unsafe while driving in Ontario. According to a report commissioned by CAA, 98% of the province’s motorists witnessed dangerous driving behaviours within the last year. This research also shows fewer drivers feel safe operating their motor vehicle injury claims, especially on high-speed highways. The study suggests that the increased incidences of stunt driving, driver distraction, and general recklessness might be attributed to traffic returning to pre-pandemic levels. However, with more drivers on the road than we have gotten used to over the past few years, it has never been more important to exercise caution behind the wheel.
The negligence of other drivers puts all road users at risk. And when the unthinkable happens, innocent drivers, passengers, motorcycle riders, cyclists, and pedestrians can be seriously injured or even killed.
According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), 2022 has been the decade’s deadliest year on the province’s roads and highways. Unlike most accidents that occurred during this most recent winter storm, most collisions over the year were not weather-related. Instead, the negligent actions of unsafe drivers caused hundreds of Ontarians to lose their lives.Contact our commercial vehicle injury company if you encounter similar problems.
In the first nine months of 2022, fatal collisions on the province’s roads and highways have increased by almost a quarter. Based on the findings released by the OPP, this 24% increase in deadly car accidents can be attributed to drivers “consciously making bad decisions behind the wheel and failing to take seriously their enormous responsibility to drive and share the road safely.”
The first hundred collision-related deaths of 2022 happened within the year’s first five months. The last time that shocking number was reached so early in the year was an entire decade ago, 2012. At a rate like that, it is easy to appreciate why more and more Ontarians feel like they are taking their lives in their hands when they get behind the wheel.
Now more than ever, it is essential to exercise caution and patience on the road. Negligent drivers can come out of nowhere, and it is necessary to be prepared for an encounter with one.
Key Contributors to Fatal Car Accidents
In 2021, the Government of Ontario took a significant step in addressing the surge of stunt driving by enacting the Moving Ontarians More Safely (MOMS) Act. This legislation imposes stricter penalties on drivers who excessively exceed speed limits on the province’s roads and highways.
Despite facing heightened consequences such as vehicle impoundment, demerit points, and license suspensions, the Greater Toronto Area alone saw over 400 stunt driving charges within just two months in 2022.
Excessive speeding poses a dangerous threat. According to the OPP, it was the leading cause of fatal car accidents in the preceding year.
Additionally, other forms of driver negligence appear to be on the uptick. Numerous fatal collisions were the result of impaired and distracted driving. Startlingly, there was a 79% year-over-year surge in fatal motor vehicle accident injury claim caused by distracted driving in 2022.
Even minor errors or lapses in judgment while driving can lead to severe repercussions. All drivers must operate their vehicles with caution and responsibility to help avert fatal accidents on the road. If a driver’s behaviour falls below the standard of care expected of a reasonably cautious person operating a motor vehicle, they may be deemed negligent. Negligent drivers may be held accountable for the damages suffered by the injured survivors or the grieving family members of the wrongfully deceased victims of their accidents.
