Study reveals the leading causes of car accidents in Canada

New research reveals the leading causes of fatal car accidents in Canada. 

The study by personal injury lawyers at Preszler Law Alberta analyzed the number of deadly crashes during five years (2018-2022) and the contributing factors to these accidents. Specialists calculated the percentage of crashes due to each cause on the list throughout five years. 

Human factors are the leading cause of deadly car crashes in Canada, accounting for 65.9% of the accidents that occurred from 2018 to 2022. Driver errors that result in accidents include (but are not limited to) following too close, falling to obey traffic lights, failing to come to a complete stop at stop signs, misjudging the speed of approaching vehicles, and misjudging the ability to stop, turn, or merge. 

Impaired driving is the second contributing factor to fatal crashes, accounting for 25.7% of the deadly motor vehicle collisions that took place during five years. Impaired driving is dangerous for both the driver and others on the road, as alcohol and drugs reduce coordination, cause slower reaction times, make it difficult to estimate distances, and blur vision. 

Speeding is the third major cause of fatal car collisions in Canada. According to the study, 24.1% of fatal accidents in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 were due to people speeding. This is because speeding reduces the driver's ability to steer safely, lengthens the traveled distance while reacting to a hazard, and increases the stopping distance. 

Environmental factors, like poor visibility, water or objects on the roadway, slick or icy roads, obstructed views, and glare, rank as the fourth factor leading to deadly car crashes in Canada. Between 2018 and 2022, 21.7% of the fatal collides were due to environmental factors.  

Distraction is the fifth major cause of vehicle accidents in Canada. A distraction is anything that takes the driver's attention away from driving, such as texting, eating, or talking on the phone. According to the research, 20.7% of fatal collisions in 2018 - 2022 were due to distracted driving.  

It is noteworthy that human errors are five of the seven causes of car accidents in Canada. 

Vehicle-related factors are in sixth place, accounting for 3.7% of the deadly accidents that occurred during the five-year period. Regular car checks and maintenance are essential to ensure road safety.  

Fatigued driving contributed to 3.2% of fatal car crashes in Canada in 2018 - 2022, which ranks it seventh factor leading to deadly collisions. Fatigued drivers cannot make decisions and have slower thinking speeds and reaction times. It's extremely important that when they feel tired, drivers pull over to reduce the chance of an accident.  

“The leading causes of fatal car accidents in Canada are a complex mix of factors. Human error, including following too close, failing to obey traffic lights, impaired driving, distraction, and fatigue, remain dominant contributors. Speeding increases the risk posed by these behaviors. 

 “Environmental conditions like road quality and weather can also play a significant role.  While car safety technology has improved, one cause is still vehicle-related. It's crucial to recognize that the most effective way to prevent fatal crashes is to address human behavior, environmental conditions, and vehicle factors,” personal injury lawyers at Preszler Law Alberta conclude. 

The leading causes of car accidents in Canada