July 10, 2017

U.S. and Canada Collision Statistics

Statistics from the U.S. are showing a marked increase in traffic deaths.  The most recent data indicates that fatalities increased from 32,744 in 2014 to 35,092 in 2015.  This is a 7% increase and the largest in nearly 50 years.  The increase occurred in almost all segments of the population, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and alcohol-impaired driving.  The estimated number of injuries increased 4.5%.

When considering rates based on vehicle miles travelled, the U.S. crash fatality rate rose 3.7% in 2015 compared to 2014, which boasted the lowest fatality rate on record.  The injury rate rose 1.3% in 2015.

Canada is not showing the same upswing in traffic crash fatalities and injuries.  While there was a slight increase in fatalities (0.3%) in 2015, serious injuries were down 1.1%.  And the 2015 fatality rate based on vehicle kilometres travelled was the lowest on record.

Factors such as increased belt usage, reduced impaired driving, and vehicle safety improvements have driven fatalities significantly down over the years despite increasing numbers of cars on the road and vehicle miles travelled.  The recent spike in U.S. fatalities is a reminder that the task to reduce traffic deaths and injuries is ongoing.

For more details, go to:

Transport Canada

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration