The Police Directors Association of Quebec is reporting that the full variety of deaths on roads within the province declined by 5 per cent in 2023 in comparison with 2022.
There had been a complete of 370 fatalities final yr, a drop of twenty-two in comparison with the 392 individuals who died on Quebec roads in 2022.
The most important lower was amongst pedestrians, the place a 23 per cent drop was reported yr over yr.
But advocates for pedestrian security say they’re not stunned, as 2o22 was a report yr for deaths in latest reminiscence.
“We’re relieved that 2023 has better numbers than 2022 but we have to keep in mind that 2022 was the worst pedestrian record for 15 years,” Sandrine Cabana-Degani of Piétons Québec, informed reporters.
Cabana-Degani says it’s too early to say whether or not the downward slide is a pattern — she insists extra work must be achieved — reminiscent of making crosswalks extra seen and including extra of them to the roads.
“The road design isn’t adapted to pedestrians now. It’s made for cars to flow,” she stated.
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There was no change within the whole variety of deaths of cyclists between 2022 and 2023 — 9 individuals on bikes died every year.
Cycling security advocates say there’s a latest downward pattern of deaths — largely on account of extra security measures which were put in place — reminiscent of bodily separators between bike lanes and roads.
“If you want to make it safer for cyclists, either you separate them from the roads or you reduce the speed of cars,” Jean-François Rheault, the Vélo Québec president, informed Global News.
Montreal police officers say they plan to have a big presence of officers this yr to crack down on pedestrians, cyclists and drivers who don’t respect the foundations of the street and the Quebec Highway Safety Code.
“We’re going to intensify our presence on the road,” stated Michel Lebrun, the SPVM’s street security commander.
Advocates for security say they may proceed with a public consciousness marketing campaign this yr reminding everybody to be respectful and share the street.
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Police association reports drop in Quebec road fatalities in 2023
