By Matt Lalande in Car Accidents, Trucking Accidents on March 26, 2024
Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, is home to some of the busiest highways in North America. While these roads are essential for connecting communities and facilitating travel, they also pose significant risks to drivers.
Car accidents are all too common on Ontario’s highways, with some roads gaining notoriety for their high number of collisions, injuries, and fatalities—more than 350 in 2022 alone. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the seven most dangerous roads in Ontario based on statistics from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and other reputable sources.
From the treacherous Highway 69 to the bustling 401, we’ll explore the factors that contribute to the high number of car accidents on these routes and discuss the steps being taken to improve road safety in the province. Whether you’re a frequent driver or simply someone concerned about road safety, this blog post will provide valuable insights into Ontario’s most treacherous highways.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident, trucking accident or motorcycle accident on an Ontario highway, contact us today by calling us at 1-844-LALANDE or local throughout southern Ontario by calling us at 905-333-8888. Alternatively, you can send us a confidential email through our website or chat live with our live chat operator seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Lalande Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help you recover justice – in a time of need.
Before examining the seven most deadliest roads in Ontario – consider the following statistics:
The following are, based on statistics provided by the Ministry of Transportation and information by the OPP, reported as the seven most dangerous roads in the province:
Highway 69, often referred to as the “Highway of Death,” is a notorious two-lane (now a good portion is 4-lane) highway that runs from Sudbury to Parry Sound, connecting Northern Ontario to the southern parts of the province. The highway has earned its grim nickname due to the high number of fatal accidents that have occurred on this stretch of road over the years.
The narrow, winding route is characterized by steep inclines, sharp curves, and limited visibility, making it particularly treacherous for drivers. The highway also experiences heavy traffic, especially during the summer months when tourists flock to the area to enjoy the many lakes and outdoor activities.
According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Highway 69 has been the scene of numerous fatal accidents over the past few decades – many of which have been head-on collisions. Here are some facts reported by the OPP and Ministry of Transportation:
According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), between 2011 and 2015, there were 14 fatal collisions and ten deaths on Highway 69 between Parry Sound and Sudbury.
A 2018 report by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation revealed that between 2013 and 2017, there were 896 collisions on Highway 69 between Sudbury and Parry Sound, resulting in 279 injuries and 25 fatalities.
In 2017, the OPP reported that Highway 69 had the highest fatality rate among all Ontario highways, with 3.7 deaths per 100,000 people.
In 2019, a single collision on Highway 69 near Shawanaga First Nation resulted in three fatalities and several injuries.
Between 2012 and 2021, there were numerous fatal accidents reported on Highway 69, with many single-vehicle collisions and head-on crashes.
More recently, in 2019, the OPP reported 85 crashes on Highway 69, with several resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. The most dangerous sections of the highway are often found between Parry Sound and Sudbury, where the road winds through rugged terrain and dense forests.
To address the high number of accidents on Highway 69, the Ontario government has undertaken a series of infrastructure improvements in recent years. These include widening sections of the highway, adding passing lanes, and improving signage and lighting. However, despite these efforts, Highway 69 remains one of the most dangerous roads in the province.
Drivers travelling on Highway 69 are advised to exercise extreme caution, obey posted speed limits, and avoid distractions while behind the wheel. It’s also essential to adjust driving habits to suit the weather conditions, as the highway can be particularly treacherous during the winter months when snow and ice make the road surface slippery and unpredictable.
The addition of Highway 69 to the list of Ontario’s most dangerous roads highlights the ongoing need for infrastructure improvements and driver education to help reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on this notorious stretch of highway.
Highway 401, also known as the Macdonald-Cartier Freeway, is the busiest highway in North America and one of the most dangerous roads in Ontario. Stretching from Windsor to the Quebec border, the highway sees an average of 420,000 vehicles per day. The high traffic volume, combined with factors such as aggressive driving, distracted driving, and poor weather conditions, contributes to the high number of accidents on this road. Here are some statistics:
According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, 44,974 collisions occurred on Highway 401 between 2013 and 2017, resulting in 13,954 injuries and 109 fatalities.
In 2018, the OPP reported 5,619 crashes on Highway 401, with 1,508 injuries and 18 fatalities.
A 2017 report by the OPP revealed that between 2011 and 2015, there were 5,070 commercial vehicle collisions on Highway 401, resulting in 1,532 injuries and 46 fatalities.
In 2019, a single multi-vehicle collision on Highway 401 near Kingston involved over 30 vehicles and resulted in one fatality and numerous injuries.
According to data from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, over 820 fatal collisions occurred on Highway 401 between 1988 and 2017.
A study by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) found that between 1994 and 2003, there were an average of 32 fatalities per year on Highway 401.
The Ontario government has implemented various safety measures to reduce accidents on Highway 401, including widening sections of the highway, installing high-tension median cable barriers, and increasing traffic law enforcement. Despite these efforts, the highway’s high traffic volume continues to contribute to a significant number of accidents each year.
In 2019, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported over 7,000 crashes on Highway 401, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. The most dangerous sections of the highway are often found in urban areas, such as Toronto and London, where traffic congestion and construction zones are more common.
Highway 17, part of the Trans-Canada Highway, runs from the Manitoba border to the Quebec border, passing through Northern Ontario. This highway is known for its challenging driving conditions, including sharp curves, steep inclines, and unpredictable weather.
The highway’s remoteness also means that medical assistance may be far away in the event of an accident. Collisions with wildlife, particularly moose, are also a significant hazard on this road.
Due to its length and often challenging driving conditions, the highway has seen numerous accidents over the years. Here are some available statistics:
According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), between 2011 and 2015, there were 3,944 collisions on Highway 17, resulting in 1,259 injuries and 57 fatalities.
In 2017, the OPP reported that Highway 17 had the second-highest number of fatal collisions among Ontario highways, with 11 deaths.
A 2018 report by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation revealed that between 2013 and 2017, there were 5,619 collisions on Highway 17, resulting in 1,756 injuries and 66 fatalities.
In 2019, a single head-on collision on Highway 17 near Mattawa resulted in four fatalities and left one person critically injured.
Between 2012 and 2021, numerous fatal accidents were reported on Highway 17, with many attributed to factors such as poor weather conditions, driver fatigue, and dangerous passing maneuvers.
A study by the Northern Policy Institute found that between 2013 and 2017, the annual average number of collisions per 100 kilometres on Highway 17 was 28.4, compared to the provincial average of 23.4.
The Ontario government has implemented various safety measures along Highway 17, including adding passing lanes, improving signage, and increasing public awareness campaigns about safe driving practices. However, the length of the highway and the often challenging driving conditions, particularly during winter months, continue to contribute to a significant number of accidents each year.
The Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) is a heavily travelled highway connecting Toronto to the Niagara Region. It spans 137 kilometres and is known for its high traffic volume, particularly during peak hours and holiday weekends. The QEW also has several sections with sharp curves and narrow shoulders, which can make navigating the road challenging.
As one of the busiest highways in the province, it has seen numerous accidents over the years. Here are some available statistics:
According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, between 2013 and 2017, there were 8,485 collisions on the QEW, resulting in 2,385 injuries and 19 fatalities.
In 2018, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported 2,013 crashes on the QEW, with 483 injuries.
A 2017 report by the OPP revealed that between 2011 and 2015, there were 805 commercial vehicle collisions on the QEW, resulting in 184 injuries and five fatalities.
In 2019, a single multi-vehicle collision on the QEW in Mississauga involved over 20 vehicles and resulted in numerous injuries, though no fatalities were reported.
Between 2012 and 2021, many fatal accidents were reported on the QEW, with many attributed to factors such as speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving.
A study by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) found that between 1994 and 2003, there were an average of 5 fatalities per year on the QEW.
The Ontario government has implemented various safety measures to reduce accidents on the QEW, including adding high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, improving signage and road markings, and increasing enforcement of traffic laws. Despite these efforts, the high traffic volume on the highway continues to contribute to a significant number of accidents each year.
Highway 6 is a north-south route that runs from Port Dover on Lake Erie to the Bruce Peninsula, covering a span of 400 kilometres. The highway is known for its scenic views and winding roads, which can be particularly dangerous during inclement weather. The highway also has several sections with narrow shoulders and limited visibility, making it challenging for drivers to navigate safely.
While it is not as heavily travelled as some of the major 400-series highways in the province, it has still seen its share of accidents over the years – and does get busy during well-known events such as Friday the 13th – a popular motorcycle rally held in Port Dover since 1981. However, specific statistics for Highway 6 are more limited compared to those available for other major Ontario highways.
According to data from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), between 2011 and 2015, there were 925 collisions on Highway 6, resulting in 257 injuries and 10 fatalities.
In 2017, a collision on Highway 6 near Hagersville resulted in one fatality and several injuries.
Between 2012 and 2021, several fatal accidents were reported on Highway 6, with many single-vehicle collisions and crashes at intersections.
A 2016 study by the County of Wellington found that between 2010 and 2014, there were 557 collisions on the section of Highway 6 within the county, resulting in 177 injuries and five fatalities.
In 2020, a serious collision on Highway 6 near Mount Forest resulted in multiple injuries and required the closure of the highway for several hours.
While the Ontario government has implemented some safety measures along Highway 6, such as improving signage and road markings, the highway still faces challenges related to its rural nature and the presence of many intersections and driveways along its route. Continued efforts to improve safety and reduce accidents on Highway 6 remain important for the communities it serves.
Highway 11 runs parallel to Highway 400 and Highway 69, connecting Toronto to Northern Ontario—and particularly cottage country. The highway is known for its high traffic volume, particularly during holiday weekends and the summer months. It also has several sections with sharp curves and steep inclines, which can be challenging for drivers to navigate safely.
Due to its length and the variety of driving conditions encountered along its route, Highway 11 has seen numerous accidents over the years. However, specific statistics for the entire length of Highway 11 over several decades are limited. Here are some available statistics:
According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), there were 2,062 collisions on Highway 11 between 2011 and 2015, resulting in 618 injuries and 31 fatalities.
In 2017, the OPP reported that Highway 11 had the third-highest number of fatal collisions among Ontario highways, with ten deaths.
A 2018 report by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation revealed that between 2013 and 2017, there were 2,758 collisions on Highway 11, resulting in 850 injuries and 34 fatalities.
In 2019, a single head-on collision on Highway 11 near Temagami resulted in two fatalities and left two others critically injured.
Between 2012 and 2021, numerous fatal accidents were reported on Highway 11, with many attributed to factors such as poor weather conditions, driver fatigue, and dangerous passing maneuvers.
A 2016 study by the District Municipality of Muskoka found that between 2011 and 2015, there were 859 collisions on the section of Highway 11 within the district, resulting in 229 injuries and eight fatalities.
The Ontario government has implemented various safety measures along Highway 11, including adding passing lanes, improving signage, and increasing public awareness campaigns about safe driving practices. However, the length of the highway and the often challenging driving conditions, particularly during winter months and in cottage country areas with increased traffic during peak seasons, continue to contribute to a significant number of accidents each year.
Highway 12 is a secondary highway that runs from Whitby to Midland, connecting several communities along the eastern shore of Lake Simcoe. The highway is known for its high traffic volume during the summer months, particularly near popular tourist destinations such as the Trent-Severn Waterway and the Muskoka Lakes.
The highway also has several sections with narrow shoulders and limited visibility, making it challenging for drivers to navigate safely. Accidents on Highway 12 often involve single vehicles leaving the roadway or colliding with oncoming traffic.
In 2019, the OPP reported over 150 crashes on Highway 12, with several resulting in serious injuries. The most treacherous sections of the highway are often found near the towns of Orillia and Midland, where the road winds through hilly terrain and dense forests.
It’s crucial for drivers to exercise extreme caution when travelling on any of these deadly Ontario highways. By staying alert, following traffic laws, and adjusting driving habits based on weather and road conditions, motorists can help reduce the risk of accidents and save lives.
If you or a loved one has suffered through a serious car accident, contact us today. Our commitment extends beyond the courtroom; we are steadfast in our dedication to understanding and empathizing with the full scope of what you are going through. It’s not just a legal battle; it’s a fight for the quality of life, dignity, and the right to a future as bright and fulfilling as possible.
We stand with you and for you every step of the way. No matter where you are in Ontario, you can call us at 1-844-LALANDE or call local in Southern Ontario at 905-333-8888. You can also send us a confidential email through our website or chat live with our live chat operator seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Lalande Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help you get the justice you deserve.
We Can Help. Contact us 24/7
start your case905-333-8888VOTED BEST LAWYERS IN CANADA 2018, 2019 & 2020
I was a dental hygienist that suffers from really bad scoliosis. My insurance company ignored my doc & cut my benefits off & told me I could do “something”. Matt got me CPP Disability and and LTD settlement – I don’t know what I would have done without him.
My daughter was killed by a drunk driver and it forever changed all of our lives. It seemed that for two years time stopped. This was no an easy journey. Matt let me sit in on the discovery of the driver and boy, he never let up. In the end, our grand-daughter was taken care of and we were compensated for our loss – which we then donated to a cause we believed in.
I call Matt my knight in shining armour. After I was struck by a car while cycling and permanently crippled, he fielded all communications with my especially difficult and downright nasty insurance adjuster. Every step of my care was a battle and I did not have the strength to fight alone.
I lost my leg in a terrible motorcycle accident and Matt help me recover compensation I need because I could not work and the cost of prosthetics and rehab are out of this world. I don’t know what I would have done without him.
My brother ended up paralyzed after a car accident and Lalande did SO MUCH to help get things straight from him getting out of the hospital to all his care for life. We are so grateful for Matt & Heather. I don’t know how my family could have done this without them.
