SQ urges road safety during construction holiday as 38 deaths reported last year
The Sûreté du Québec is stepping up police presence from July 17 to August 2, warning that 38 people died in road collisions during Quebec's construction holiday last year—the worst toll in a decade.
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Quebec's Sûreté du Québec is beefing up police presence on roads, trails and bodies of water during the province's two-week construction holiday, from July 17 to August 2. The warning comes after 38 deaths linked to collisions—including off-road vehicles—were reported during last year's break, the worst toll in a decade.
About one-third of Quebecers take time off during this period, increasing traffic and crowds on recreational areas. Speeding was a factor in more than a quarter of deaths reported during summer months, and half of fatal collisions occurred within 15 kilometres of victims' homes. The SAAQ warns that familiar roads can breed complacency and risky behaviour.
Police are urging compliance with safety rules: wearing helmets on ATVs, using personal flotation devices on the water, and maintaining vigilance even on routine trips close to home.
The facts
When is Quebec's construction holiday this year?
Quebec's construction holiday runs from July 17 to August 2, 2026.
What fraction of fatal collisions happened near victims' homes?
Half of fatal collisions occurred within 15 kilometres of victims' homes.
