OTTAWA, Ont. — New statistics reveal that fewer people died on Canada’s roads in 2006 than in 2005. The latest edition of the Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics brochure, released annually by Transport Canada, provides statistics for 2006, as well as historical information dating back to 1987.

The figures show that the number of drivers in Canada continues to increase yearly. There were almost 22.3 million licensed drivers and over 18.7 million passenger vehicles on Canadian roads in 2006. Fatalities dropped from the previous year by 0.6%, and injuries dropped by 2.6%.

“Although there was a decrease in the number of lives lost on our roads in 2006, more needs to be done and we must remain vigilant,” said the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “Reducing fatalities and injuries is an ongoing commitment with our partners, including other levels of government.”

While road fatalities still represent approximately 95% of all transportation-related fatalities, Canada’s road safety record has steadily improved over the years. Since 1987, road traffic deaths have declined by
32.5%. The annual statistics show that in 2006, there were 2,604 fatal collisions leading to 2,889 deaths. Motor vehicle occupants accounted for 74.9% of all road user fatalities, with 1,546 drivers and 617 passengers killed. In addition, 374 pedestrians, 218 motorcyclists and 73 bicyclists were killed on the roads.

Road Safety Vision 2010, an initiative introduced by the federal, provincial and territorial governments and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, aims to raise awareness of road safety issues, to improve collaboration and cooperation among safety agencies and to toughen enforcement. This national plan, actively supported by public and private sector stakeholders, calls for a 30% decrease in the number of people killed or seriously injured on Canada’s roads by 2010.

The statistics are collected annually by all provinces and territories and are sent to Transport Canada for inclusion in the National Collision Database. The collisions involving casualties on public roads represent all those reported to, or by, the police. The department uses these statistics to further understand road safety issues and trends, with the goal of improving road safety for all Canadians.

Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics: 2006 is available on Transport Canada’s Web site at www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/tp/tp3322/2006/menu.htm. To order a free copy, or for more information on the department’s road safety programs, call 800-333-0371.