Toronto is Canada’s largest city, and economic center and keeps growing, with the city’s population expanding 2.
For over 50 years Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers has helped Torontonians that have been seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents. We understand how disruptive a car accident can be and how hard the journey for justice and compensation is. Understanding the common causes of collisions in Toronto can help you stay safe on the road and know what legal options are available if you are injured due to someone else’s negligence.
1. Distracted Driving: The Leading Cause of Toronto Car Accidents
Distracted Driving is the leading cause of motor vehicle accidents in and around Toronto. While many things may distract a driver, cell phone usage is the most common reason for distracted driving. Other distractions are eating, smoking, putting on makeup and the driver searching for items in the car while driving.
Distracted driving can often lead to disastrous consequences. According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO), distracted driving contributes to approximately 1 in 5 crashes in the province.
Toronto has continuously tried to lower the number of distracted drivers through various initiatives. “Eyes on the Road is a campaign created to educate drivers on the dangers of distracted driving. The city has also enacted hefty fines to curb distracted driving—up to $1,000 for a first offense. Regardless of these initiatives, accidents occur daily in and around Toronto due to drivers not paying attention to the road and their surroundings.
2. Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Speeding and aggressive driving can be seen throughout the city. Whether you are driving on the 401 at night or downtown on Front Street during a weekday lunch, many drivers dangerously zoom over the speed limit and cut in and out of traffic. It’s not hard to understand that exceeding speed limits is a leading cause of severe accidents. The City of Toronto’s Vision Zero Road Safety Plan reported that speeding played a role in 30% of all fatal crashes in the city.
Toronto highways like the 401, Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), and Don Valley Expressway (DVP) are notorious for speeding-related collisions.
Aggressive driving is another factor contributing to various car accidents. Tailgating, sudden lane changes, abrupt braking, and road rage further increase the risk of accidents.
3. Impaired Driving (Alcohol and Drugs)
Despite constant marketing initiatives and various educational campaigns, impaired driving continues to be a significant problem in and around Toronto. Alcohol and drug impairment lowers reaction times and significantly impairs judgment, often leading to devastating crashes. The Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada states that impairment is a factor in nearly 30% of all fatal road accidents nationwide.
Alcohol and cannabis are the most common reasons for impaired driving. While both are legal to consume in Ontario, the legal blood alcohol level for drivers is 0.08%. Regarding cannabis, it is illegal to drive with any level of cannabis in your blood if you are under 21. If you are over 21, you must have under 5 ng of THC per milliliter of blood.
Toronto Police continues to crack down on impaired driving, with frequent RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) checkpoints, particularly during holidays and weekends. These checkpoints can be found throughout the city in areas like North York, Scarborough, and Etobicoke. However, despite these efforts, impaired drivers continue to pose a threat on city streets.
4. Poor Road Conditions and Construction Zones
All parts of Toronto are constantly under construction. New buildings, houses, and sidewalks are being built and renovated. The roads around these construction areas often have lane reductions, detours, and uneven surfaces. These factors contribute to a higher likelihood of collisions, especially for those unfamiliar with the area. Blind merging, accidents with pedestrians, and collisions with construction equipment are all common occurrences. Additionally, potholes and inadequate road maintenance increase the risk of tire blowouts and loss of vehicle control.
Some of the most accident-prone areas in Toronto due to construction and poor road conditions include Eglinton Avenue (due to the years-long Crosstown LRT project), Lake Shore Boulevard, Steeles Avenue West, and Avenue Road.
5. Pedestrian and Cyclist Collisions
Toronto has numerous cyclists, constantly moving throughout the city at all times of day. While more people are on bikes during the spring and summer months, cyclists can be seen on city streets throughout the year. The City of Toronto reported that in 2023, there were over 1,500 pedestrian-related collisions, with many occurring in high-traffic areas like Yonge Street, Eglinton Avenue, Queen Street West, and the University Avenue corridor.
Right-turn blind spot collisions, failure by both cars and bicycles to yield at crosswalks, cyclists swerving in and out of traffic, and distracted driving lead to most of these cyclist-related accidents.
It’s important to note that cyclists face increased dangers at intersections and on roads without designated bike lanes.
6. Weather-Related Accidents
Toronto weather differs greatly depending on the time of year. Winters are cold and wet with heavy snowfall, while summer can be warm with the occasional torrential rainstorm. These inclement weather conditions can contribute to slippery roads, reduced visibility, and black ice, leading to thousands of crashes annually. According to the Ontario Road Safety Annual Report, nearly 30% of all motor vehicle accidents occur during adverse weather conditions.
Some of the most dangerous winter driving areas in Toronto include Bayview Avenue (particularly the Bayview Extension) and the Highway 401/400 interchange (where icy conditions and poor visibility lead to frequent collisions).
It is incredibly important to equip your car with winter tires during Toronto’s winter months, as they will dramatically lower your chances of being in a serious accident.
7. Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Torontonians are always in a rush, and this is especially true when drivers approach intersections, leading them to be some of the most dangerous spots in Toronto for motorists and pedestrians alike. According to Toronto Police Services, there were over 12,000 reported collisions at intersections in 2023, many caused by drivers running red lights or stop signs.
To combat this, Toronto has installed red-light cameras at various high-traffic intersections like Yonge and Sheppard, King and Spadina, Bathurst and Wilson, and Don Mills and Finch. These cameras were installed to be a deterrent to drivers running through red lights, however many drivers continue to ignore them.
8. Driver Fatigue and Drowsy Driving
Driving while being tired is incredibly dangerous yet is sadly quite common. Studies show that driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Late night shifts, exhausted schedules, and most importantly drivers ignoring their exhaustion are the leading contributors, leading to slower reaction times and an increased likelihood of accidents.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Motor Vehicle Accident in Toronto
If you or a family member have been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, follow these important steps:
- Move to a Safe Location – First make sure you are out of the way of traffic and potentially dangerous conditions. Move to the shoulder out of the way of traffic.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you or your loved one’s injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional.
- Document the Scene – Take as many photos of the accident as possible. Document your injuries and damage to your car and any other cars.
- Get Evidence – Record interviews with any witnesses of your accident. This testimony may be key to getting the compensation you deserve.
- Report the Accident – Call Toronto Police or report minor collisions online through the Collision Reporting Centres (CRCs).
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer – A skilled local personal injury lawyer can help you navigate insurance claims and fight for the compensation you deserve. They have represented numerous seriously injured individuals getting justice after an accident.
How Can Bergel Magence Help You and Your Family?
At Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers, we specialize in motor vehicle accident claims in Toronto and throughout Ontario. With over 50 years of experience, our team of legal experts has retrieved hundreds of millions of dollars for injured individuals. We understand the pain and suffering you go through after an injury, and let you focus on rehabilitation, while we fight the insurance companies on your behalf.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t navigate the legal system alone. Contact Bergel Magence today at 416-665-2000 for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights.
