Key Takeaways
- More than half of the most dangerous winter roads in Canada are located in Ontario
- Weather, wildlife, and urban factors contribute to collisions on these roads
- Erieau Road in the Chatham-Kent region is the most dangerous winter road in the country
- The Canadian Automobile Association reminds drivers to take it slow and be cautious during the holiday season
- Winter is the most dangerous season to drive, with over one-third of crashes occurring during the colder months
Introduction to the Study
The study, conducted by fleet management and safety company Samsara, analyzed data from fleet vehicles collected between 2022 and 2025 to identify the top 10 most dangerous winter roads in Canada. The results show that more than half of these roads are located in Ontario, with weather, wildlife, and urban factors contributing to collisions. The study used artificial intelligence sensors and cameras to track crashes, harsh braking, and speeding, and identified "clusters" of crash areas across the country.
The Most Dangerous Roads in Canada
According to the study, the top 10 most dangerous winter roads in Canada are: Erieau Road in Ontario, Yellowhead-Highway 16 in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, Highway 2 in Alberta, Highway of Heroes in New Brunswick, Timberland Road in British Columbia, Trans-Canada Highway in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario, Autoroute Jean-Lesage, A-20 in Quebec, Steeles Avenue East in Ontario, Highway 43 in Alberta, and Highway 17 in Ontario. Erieau Road, located in the Chatham-Kent region near Lake Erie, is the most dangerous winter road in the country, with a winter crash rate six times higher than the next location on the list.
Factors Contributing to Crashes
The study identified three main factors that contribute to crashes on these roads: weather, wildlife, and urban factors. Roads near water, such as Erieau Road, are at risk of dangerous conditions in winter weather, including lake-effect snow, high wind exposure, and flash freeze conditions. Remote areas with abundant wildlife can also lead to unexpected collisions, especially when roads are icy. Busy areas where commercial and passenger vehicles converge can also lead to danger, as the mixture of vehicles can increase the risk of crashes.
Winter Driving Safety
The study’s findings highlight the importance of winter driving safety. Winter is the most dangerous season to drive, with over one-third of crashes occurring during the colder months. The Canadian Automobile Association reminds drivers to take it slow and be cautious during the holiday season, eliminating distractions and keeping their full attention on the road. The CAA spokesperson, Nadia Matos, notes that while Ontario highways are among the safest in North America, it is still important to be careful and aware of the risks associated with winter driving.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the most dangerous winter roads in Canada and the factors that contribute to crashes. By understanding these risks, drivers can take necessary precautions to stay safe on the roads during the winter season. The Canadian Automobile Association’s recommendations to take it slow, eliminate distractions, and keep full attention on the road are crucial in reducing the risk of crashes. Additionally, being aware of the dangers associated with roads near water, remote areas with wildlife, and busy areas with commercial and passenger vehicles can help drivers navigate these roads more safely. By taking these precautions and being mindful of the risks, drivers can help reduce the number of crashes and stay safe on the roads during the winter season.
