The Kingston Police Services Board has recently received and published a sobering report, the Kingston Police First Half of 2023 Collision Report, delivered by Acting Chief of Police, Greg Sands. The numbers it reveals are concerning, indicating a notable increase in car accidents during the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.

In the first six months of 2023, Kingston has witnessed a total of 1,429 car crashes, up from 1,371 during the same period in the previous year, marking a significant 58-case surge. Notably, a majority of these accidents were self-reported, constituting 62.2% of all collisions, up from 56.2% last year. Conversely, the involvement of the police in these incidents decreased from 43.8% to 37.8%.

The report also highlights some positive trends. Crashes occurring along the Kingston stretch of Highway 401 decreased substantially, with 163 fewer accidents than the previous year. These incidents resulted in one fatality, 92 non-fatal injuries, and 394 collisions causing only property damage.

Surprisingly, despite the weather conditions Kingston often faces, a significant number of these accidents, 1,190 out of 1,429, occurred during clear weather conditions. Only 101 happened during rainy conditions, and 123 during snowy winter conditions.

The report dives further into the causes of these collisions. Of the 1,429 crashes, 1,126 involved drivers operating within the bounds of the law. In 145 cases, a driver was following too closely, and 104 accidents were due to improper turns.

In a concerning trend, 22 of the accidents involved at least one impaired driver, either under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, the majority, comprising 1,592 incidents, involved sober drivers reported to be in normal condition at the time of the collision.

The report also sheds light on collisions involving pedestrians. Throughout Kingston, 10 took place in parking lots, with 5 at intersections.

Examining accident-prone intersections, the report identifies the most dangerous in Kingston. Topping the list is the intersection of Bath Road and Sir John A. McDonald Boulevard, accounting for 14 accidents. Gardiners Road and Princess Street and Gardiner’s Road and Taylor Kidd Boulevard share second place, each with 26 total collisions.

The report goes on to analyze the timing of these incidents, with January 2023 seeing the highest number of collisions, many occurring around 4:00 p.m. during Kingston’s rush hour.

The report also highlights seven motorcycle-related collisions, all resulting in injuries.

These statistics serve as a stark reminder that accidents persist despite heightened road safety awareness. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, please don’t hesitate to contact Bergeron Clifford LLP. We’re here to discuss your rights, and remember, there are no fees unless we’re successful on your behalf. Your safety and well-being are our priority.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Casey Dorey is an associate lawyer at Bergeron Clifford LLP. He works primarily in Kingston but travels across Eastern Ontario.

Casey obtained his LL.B from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom, with First Class Honours. While in law school, Casey was a Moot Court champion and represented the school externally in London, England. He was also awarded the Canadian Spring Scholarship.

He has appeared before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Small Claims Court, Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, and the Social Security Tribunal.

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