Deadliest 75 days on the road begin today: CAA Quebec

CAA Quebec says that the most dangerous period on the province's roads is between Saint Jean Baptiste Day and Labour Day.

The period starting today and ending Labour Day is typically the deadliest span on Quebec roads.

CAA Quebec says the 75-day period between Saint-Jean-Baptiste (Fete Nationale) and Labour Day saw 100 fatal accidents last year.

That number had been dropping from 93 in 2023 to 83 in 2024, but in 2025, the period was responsible for a quarter of all road fatalities.

The agency adds that the majority of the fatal crashes were not caused by road conditions or weather but by human behaviour, making them preventable.

“I often like to make the parallel with Christmas holidays,” Said CAA-Quebec Foundation director André Durocher. “Normally, people on vacction, what do they do, they tend to try to cram a lot of activities because there’s only two or three weeks off.”

Durocher said that the tendency for Quebecers to stay in the province rather than crossing to the U.S. means more people on the roads.

“If there are more people on the roads, the chances are there could be more collisions, unfortunately,” he said.

Last year, the deadliest regions in Quebec were:

• Bas-Saint-Laurent (25 per cent of deaths)
• The Eastern Townships (29 per cent)
• Mauricie (33 per cent)
• Chaudière-Appalaches (33%)
• Montérégie (34%)
• Lanaudière (35%)
• Abitibi-Témiscamingue (43 per cent)
• Côte-Nord (60%)

Distracted driving and speeding are particular problems while driving in the summer.

“Plan your schedules ahead of time,” said Durocher. “If you’re going to be travelling long distances, make sure that you take some breaks in order not to overstress yourself and be over tired.”

Drinking and driving also continues to be a concern during the summer. CAA-Quebec reminds that a first arrest and conviction carries a steep cost. With fines, legal fees, and vehicle-related costs, the bill can easily hit $10,000, the organization said.

“On top of this come severe and incalculable consequences, such as the immediate licence suspension, a driving prohibition period, a criminal record and complex administrative procedures,” CAA said.

Tips for safe driving include the following:

• Share the road and be courteous to vulnerable users such as cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.
• Increase your following distance to give yourself more time to react.
• Slow down and obey speed limits, especially in construction zones, and stay focused on the road. These are the most common causes of accidents.
• Remember that increasing your speed by just 20 km/h over 20 km only saves 2 minutes but increases fuel consumption by 15 per cent.
• When driving with trailers or recreational vehicles, stay alert to blind spots and avoid excessive speeds to ensure sufficient braking time.
• Apply the five principles of visual scanning: look up and far ahead, expand your field of vision, keep your eyes moving, make sure you’re visible, and always leave yourself an out.
• Plan an alternative to driving if you intend to drink alcohol.