- July is the top month for vehicle collisions in Canada.
- 54% of collisions in Canada happen in the last six months of the year.
Long summer days bring about more auto accidents.
July is the month when we all say hello to summer. School’s out, road trips are in, and weekend warriors are on the roads in full force heading to the cottage, trailer, or just for a day trip to someplace new.
It’s also the month when collisions are most common on Canada’s roads.
Based on the most recent five years' worth of police-reported collision data available through the National Collision Database, July is the top month for vehicle collisions in Canada. It beats out months like November and December when you might think collisions would be more frequent as winter approaches. Again, you might think it, but you would be mistaken.
Top six months for road collisions in Canada
Accidents in Canada are more common in the second half of the year. Fifty-four percent of collisions in Canada happen in the last six months, and July kicks off the season of collisions with a bang as the leader of the pack.
- July
- November
- December
- October
- August
- September
April has the fewest collisions, followed by March and February.
Summertime road trip checklist to avoid collisions
Whether you’re heading out for a week’s holiday, weekend getaway, or just a day trip, take care in how you arrive at your destination.
- Get ready for the drive. Top up your car’s windshield wiper fluid, ensure your tires are properly inflated, and remember to travel with an emergency roadside safety kit. Emergency car kits aren’t just for the winter. Make sure you’ve got one for your road trip, too, that includes things like a first-aid kit, flashlights, snacks, and bottled water.
- Make sure you’ve got all your car-related documents handy. Anytime you get behind the wheel, check to ensure you have your driver’s licence, car insurance documents, vehicle ownership, and registration.
- Get some rest before you leave so you're at your most alert. Throughout the drive, be aware of driver fatigue and share the driving responsibilities.
- Buckle up and make sure everyone in the car does as well.
- Be patient. Summer traffic can be slow as everyone tries to make the most of the season.
- Try to avoid the masses by leaving earlier or later than the traditional peak traffic times.
- If the drive is slow, don’t speed up to make up time. Obey the limit and be safer for it. You’ll also save money, as speeding increases your vehicle's fuel consumption. Spend less on gas (and avoid a ticket) by driving the limit.
- Don't drive distracted. If you're hungry, eat before you leave or at a rest stop. Also, put your phone on mute, remove your smartwatch, and pre-program your route into the GPS.
- If there is a collision along your route, give emergency personnel the space they need to do their job safely. Slow down and move over when passing stopped police, ambulance, fire trucks, or tow trucks with flashing lights.
- If your trip is more than a couple of hours long, plan a rest stop to get out of your vehicle to walk and stretch out your legs.
- Don’t tailgate. Leave a safe following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. It's ideal to keep a following distance of at least two seconds, but if you're following a large vehicle (that's blocking your view) or a motorcycle (who may be able to stop quicker), allow at least three seconds. In poor weather, double the distance needed to stop safely.
- Signal your intentions. It’s a little thing, but it’s a big deal.
- Don't drive impaired by alcohol or drugs; always have a designated driver.
Keep your auto insurance premium in check. Drive carefully to avoid summertime traffic tickets and collisions.
Car collisions and your car insurance
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