Car Accidents in The Region of Waterloo

January 05, 2023, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

The Region of Waterloo produced a very detailed report outlining collisions in region. The annual report is a summary of traffic collisions, the factors that are associated with the collisions and is remarkably comprehensive.

The data comes from the three cities and four townships that make up the Region and is based on a population of 623,930 people that lived in the Region in 2020. The purpose of the report is to allow accurate reporting of the state of the roads, and to provide information to all individuals, businesses and agencies that deal with transportation, transit and traffic safety in the region.

Accidents are rarely caused by a single factor. According to the report,

“collisions frequently involve complex interactions between human behaviour, vehicle characteristics, and environmental conditions.  The factor or factors responsible for causing a collision are not always the most obvious nor are they always readily apparent.  Caution should be exercised in drawing conclusions from the statistics presented in this report and conclusions should be drawn only with appropriate qualifications and supportive information.”

COVID and the resulting lockdowns in early 2020 had a major impact on the traffic volumes both locally and globally. Traffic volume and the number of automobile collisions were reduced significantly as well.

We will share important parts of the report over the next few weeks to help highlight the most dangerous driving situations in the Region over the 2016-2020 period, and hopefully this information can help inform your choices when using the roadways.

Summary of Data

There were a total of 4715 collisions in 2020 compared to 6942 in 2019 – a decrease of 32% primarily due to COVID restrictions. The average number of accidents a year from 2016-2019 (normal years) was 6341.

The number of fatal collisions was 7 in 2020 and averaged 6 between 2016-2019. Collisions with injuries were dramatically lower in 2019 and 202 than in previous years. We will look into reasons for that in coming weeks. The percentage of collisions resulting in injury or death ranged from 7% - 23% depending on the year in question.  Clearly there are many car accidents which result in reported injuries. These increase the cost both financially and in human terms of collisions.

Here is the executive summary of accidents for the period of 2020-2016.

source: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/resources/Documents/Future-Construction/2020-Annual-Collision-Report.pdf

If you or a loved one are seriously injured in an automobile accident or while walking or riding your bicycle please contact one of our highly skilled personal injury lawyers for your free initial consultation. We are here to help you get the settlement you need to secure your future. Don’t face your situation alone. Call us today 1.519.742.7774

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.