Toronto on track for 49 traffic deaths this year as pedestrian toll climbs 24 percent

Twenty-one pedestrians have died in traffic collisions in Toronto so far this year—a 24 percent jump from 2025 and putting the city on track for approximately 49 total traffic collision fatalities by year's end, police data shows.

The toll marks a dangerous trajectory. Toronto averaged four deaths per month from traffic collisions in 2026, compared to 2022's high of 44 pedestrian deaths for the full year. Motorcyclist deaths are also surging: 11 riders have been killed as of October 5, a 57 percent increase over the same period last year and a five-year high.

Jess Spieker, spokesperson for Friends and Families for Safe Streets, said the escalation is "getting worse." Ontario removed speed cameras in November, and a June city report found a significant increase in speeding at locations where cameras once operated. "Speed whenever and wherever they want," Spieker said of drivers now operating without that deterrent. "That is not a road safety record to be proud of."

The province provided Toronto with $10 million through its road safety initiative fund for traffic calming measures that won't change vehicle lanes—but a February city staff report found it could take 13 years and $52 million to install such measures throughout the city. Spieker urged Premier Doug Ford and Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria to bring back speed cameras and called for complete streets with space for all users.

The Ministry of Transportation argues that speed bumps and roundabouts are the best way to keep Ontario roads safe.

Gary Smith, a St. Lawrence Market resident who primarily walks to get around, said he and neighbours feel "danger" nearly every day. "Literally is a life and death issue, when you are crossing the street and you experience aggressive driving and dangerous driving," Smith said. He reports seeing drivers speed, run red lights, and use cellphones while driving almost every day.

Toronto police data carries limitations: the service lacks a detailed breakdown of fatal collisions beyond 2022 and has no total traffic collision figures past 2020, citing updates to its reporting tools.