Car Accidents in Ottawa

Motor vehicle accidents can occur due to various factors. For reference, the 2020 Ottawa Road Safety Report highlighted that there were 10,047 collisions in the city. 34% of those accidents were due to wet or slippery road conditions that are common in Ottawa winters. Furthermore, Prince of Wales Drive at West Hunt Club Road was ranked #1 for signalized intersection collision locations, likely due to its multi-lane structure.

Understanding the common causes of vehicle accidents, no matter the circumstances, can help you identify who may be held liable for your injuries. Some of the most prevalent causes of motor vehicle accidents include:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a dangerous behaviour that poses a significant risk to road safety. In Ottawa, as in many other places, distracted driving has become a prevalent issue due to the widespread use of mobile devices and other distractions inside vehicles.¹

Texting, in particular, is one of the most alarming and prevalent forms of distracted driving. When drivers take their eyes off the road to read or send text messages, they become visually and manually distracted, compromising their ability to respond to their surroundings promptly. 

It is important to note that any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from driving, even momentarily, can be considered a form of distracted driving. This includes engaging with passengers, tending to children or pets, or eating. All these distractions can impair a driver’s ability to perceive and react to potential hazards, increasing the risk of accidents. According to CAA statistics, distracted drivers are eight times more likely to be in a crash or near-crash accident than non-distracted drivers. 

Impaired Driving

Impaired driving is a grave threat on the roads of Ottawa and can have devastating consequences. When drivers operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication, their ability to drive safely becomes severely compromised. Impaired drivers exhibit impaired judgement, slower reaction times, reduced coordination, and decreased cognitive function, putting themselves and others at significant risk.²

• Alcohol is one of the most common substances associated with impaired driving.  When consumed, alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to make sound decisions, negatively impacts concentration, and slows down reflexes. Even small amounts of alcohol can have a noticeable impact on driving abilities.³
• Drug impairment is also a major concern on the roads. Both illicit drugs and certain prescription medications can significantly impair a driver’s cognitive and motor skills. Such substances can cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and other side effects that impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.⁴

Impaired drivers pose a serious risk to themselves and others on the road. They are more likely to exhibit reckless behaviour, such as speeding, weaving between lanes, or disregarding traffic signals. Their impaired judgement and slower reaction times make it difficult for them to respond appropriately to hazards, increasing the chances of collisions and causing severe injuries or fatalities.

Speeding

Exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions is the third leading cause of accidents.⁵ When drivers exceed the speed limit, their ability to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions is compromised. Speeding also increases the distance required to stop a vehicle, making it challenging to avoid collisions. Moreover, the impact of a collision is intensified at higher speeds, leading to more severe injuries and damage.⁶

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving encompasses a range of aggressive behaviours that endanger everyone on the road. These behaviours include tailgating, running red lights, or changing lanes without signalling. Reckless drivers demonstrate a blatant disregard for traffic laws and the safety of themselves and others, creating a hazardous road environment.