The number of deaths on the roads of Bas-Saint-Laurent decreased by more than 50% in 2023, compared to the average observed from 2018 to 2022. However, we are observing a considerable increase in serious injuries.
The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) released Quebec’s annual road report on Tuesday.
A total of 10 deaths were recorded in 2023, six fewer than the previous year. At 740, the number of people with minor injuries is also down 10.6% compared to the average of the last five years.
On the other hand, there will be 61 people seriously injured in the region in 2023, an increase of 8.5% on the average recorded between 2018 and 2022. These are, however, significantly better results than in 2022, when 69 serious accidents had occurred.
All victims considered, 811 people suffered bodily injury in a road collision in 2023, or 10.4% less than the average observed in the last five years.
“The improvement in the road safety record is proof that awareness, combined with police control and the strengthening of legislation, brings about a change in behavior among the Quebec population. I want to salute the contribution and efforts of our various partners, particularly those of Quebec police forces. It is the sum of actions that makes it possible to reduce the number of victims. We must continue on this path,” comments SAAQ President and CEO Éric Ducharme in a press release.
Nationally, there was a decrease in the number of victims last year with 380 deaths, compared to 398 in 2022.
Collaboration Pierre-Olivier Lefrançois
