Vehicle collisions and casualties increase five percent

Ottawa, Ontario – Vehicle collisions and casualties increased about five per cent in 2002 over the previous year, according to new statistics released by Transport Canada. There was also a three per cent increase in injuries over 2001. The statistics can be found in Transport Canada’s annual publication, “Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics”.

The statistics are collected by Transport Canada in cooperation with the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators. In the year 2002, there were 2,596 fatal collisions leading to 2,936 deaths. Motor vehicle occupants accounted for 77.5 per cent of all road user fatalities, with 1,546 drivers and 730 passengers killed. In addition, 370 pedestrians, 172 motorcyclists and 64 bicyclists were also killed on the road.

“Reducing fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways continues to present a great challenge,” said Transport Minister Tony Valeri. “Transport Canada will continue to work with the provinces, territories, police services and other safety agencies on Road Safety Vision 2010 – an initiative that aims to make Canada’s roads the safest in the world.”

Although road fatalities still represent over 90 per cent of all transportation-related fatalities, Canada’s road safety record has steadily improved over the years. Since 1982, road traffic deaths have declined by almost 50 per cent.

Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics: 2002 is available on Transport Canada’s web site. To order a free copy or for more information on the department’s road safety programs, call 1-800-333-0371.