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A study of traffic accident data reveals that Canada’s smallest province is also the most dangerous when it comes to fatal car crashes.
The study, released by Ontario-based Preszler Injury Lawyers, looked at data from Transport Canada from 2022 and found that Prince Edward Island had the highest rate of traffic accident fatalities, with 10.5 deaths per 100,000 people. That figure was more than double the national average of 4.7 deaths per 100,000 people.
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However, P.E.I. scored better in injuries per 100,000 people at 287, placing it ninth among the provinces and territories, and close to the national average of 284.
Generally speaking, eastern Canadian provinces ranked worst for traffic fatalities, with New Brunswick placing second behind P.E.I. with 8.6 deaths per 100,000 people. That was followed by Nova Scotia with 7.7, then Saskatchewan with 7.2, and Newfoundland and Labrador with 6.7.
Canada’s most populous provinces were among the safest when it came to traffic fatalities. Quebec was 11th on the list, with just four deaths per 100,000 people, while Ontario was 12th with 3.8. With a combined population of more than 23 million people, these two provinces account for just over 60 per cent of the population of Canada.
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Coming in last place — which is to say best — was Nunavut, averaging just 2.6 crash fatalities per 100,000 people. Given the territory’s population of fewer than 40,000, that works out to roughly one death per year. Canada’s other territories also posted relatively good numbers, with Yukon placing ninth with 4.7 deaths, and the Northwest Territories in 10th place with 4.4.
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“Millions of Canadians hold a driving license, and many will use their cars regularly, whether for short trips, commutes or longer road trips,” said a Preszler spokesperson in a press release, commenting on the data. “Analyzing the number of fatalities and injuries due to car crashes in each province and territory can provide valuable insight into public road safety.
“By using this data to understand which provinces and territories in Canada suffer from the highest numbers of deaths and accidents from car crashes, public bodies and policymakers can provide targeted safety improvements and information for these areas.”
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