A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY!

Road sharing in the urban environment is a challenging issue both for users of the road network and for the SPVM officers who manage it on a daily basis. Pedestrians, cyclists and drivers share the responsibility for collisions that lead to death and serious injury.

Driver distraction is the primary cause of collisions, and it can be the result of an object or situation that attracts the driver’s attention, a cell phone conversation or a driver busy doing something other than driving. As for pedestrians, crossing between intersections without first ensuring it is safe and ignoring traffic signals are two common ways of endangering their own wellbeing. In 61% of pedestrian deaths, the victim had done something to break the Highway Safety Code. In 50% of collisions leading to the death or serious injury of a cyclist, the cyclist was at fault; the other 50% were the fault of the driver. These results justify the increase in police actions to change user behaviour and enforce traffic rules.

7 main causes of collisions in Montréal

The results of the 2010 Road Safety Record confirm trends that have been emerging in recent years. The situation has stabilized since 2008 after a significant drop in the number of traffic victims reflecting the introduction of the action plan and the addition of 133 officers dedicated to road safety in 2006.

In 2010, the total number of collisions decreased by 4.8% compared to 2009. This reduction stems largely from a 6.3% decrease in material damage accidents. There were two more traffic deaths this year than last, at 37 compared to 35 in 2009.

The SPVM is particularly concerned about the increase in the number of accidents with serious injuries, which rose from 221 in 2009 to 270 in 2010. Despite the decrease in the number of pedestrians killed on the roads (from 20 to 18), we are also concerned about the fact that 66% of the victims were over 60 years old. As for cyclists, four were fatally struck this year, compared to three last year.

In 2010, four cyclists were killed on the island of Montréal, one more than in 2009, but there was a 35% decrease in the number of cyclists who were seriously injured in a collision with a road vehicle.

TICKETS ISSUED BY THE SPVM

Enforcing the Highway Safety Code is an essential aspect of achieving the SPVM’s objective of improving the road safety record and reducing the number of victims on Montréal roads.

Overall, the number of tickets issued to moving vehicles has been stable, while the number issued to stationary vehicles has risen slightly. This increase is largely the result of changes in several zones and parking areas in SPVM territory.

Even though there were slightly fewer speed control operations in 2010, the total number of tickets issued remained stable. Speeding tickets represent 22% of all tickets issued for moving violations.

PEDESTRIANS

The SPVM has stepped up prevention and control activities for pedestrians, who still fall victim to far too many traffic accidents. The SPVM is working with the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec to develop tools to help reach this clientele.

In 2010, police officers held 346 awareness operations, some of which used the interactive game “Zéro accident” which helps officers run meetings with older people, the group at greatest risk.

FILES PROCESSED BY COLLISION INVESTIGATORS

In 2010, 213 collision investigations were instituted, including 132 that required the input of an accident reconstruction expert. 1,580 people were indicted following the analysis of 5,747 files.

TRAFFIC FLOW

One of the traffic unit’s objectives is to smooth the flow of traffic across the entire territory. To this end, teams maintain a presence during rush hour to enforce reserved lanes.

In 2010, officers issued 14,990 tickets for this type of infraction. Numerous operations were also held on AMT reserved lanes during the Spring and Fall Blitzes.

To find out more

2010 Road Safety Report (PDF – French only)

Data sheet: 2010 Road Safety Intervention Report (French only)

Alternate information

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