Latest news with #roadfatalities
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Deadliest construction holiday on Quebec roads in 10 years, police say
MONTREAL — Quebec provincial police say this has been the deadliest construction holiday in 10 years on the province's roads and trails. Police say 38 people died in collisions involving vehicles during the two-week period spanning July 18 to Aug. 3, including 31 on the road network. In comparison, there were 17 deaths during last year's holiday. The victims include three children under the age of 10 and one adult who died in a single vehicle crash southeast of Quebec City on Saturday. The summer construction holiday is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with an estimated one-third of Quebecers on vacation. Police say distracted driving, speeding and driving while impaired were factors in many of the crashes. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 4, 2025. The Canadian Press
BBC News
17-07-2025
- BBC News
Shropshire councillors say they want to prevent further deaths on roads
Councillors in a Shropshire market town have said they want to do all they can to prevent further fatalities on roads, following the deaths of three Bridges, 17, had only passed his driving test the day before his Audi A1 hit a tree on Offoxey Road near Tong on 14 teenager, from Brewood, Staffordshire, died along with two passengers - Simon Evans, 18, from Perton, Staffordshire, and Jacob Homan, 17, from Tettenall, inquest held earlier in July heard that toxicology reports showed no sign the teenager's driving had been impaired, but there was evidence to suggest his driving was "excessively quick". "Since earlier this year, we've been working together to tackle the rise in antisocial driving in and around Shifnal," said Reform UK councillors Thomas Clayton, for Shifnal North, and Elizabeth Barker, for Shifnal Rural."It's something residents bring up with us more than anything else, and we're determined to do something about it." The councillors have focused on several areas to make improvements, including working with local police and community safety teams, supporting the use of mobile speed cameras, and urging locals to take part in community speed watch have also spoken to councils about traffic calming options, and been promoting awareness of Operation Snap and Section 59 - resources which allow the public to report dangerous and antisocial driving."We have asked for data on other incidents along Offoxey Road," said Clayton. "This tragedy has to mean something. It's a moment to take a step back, reflect and act."We must support young drivers better, we must make our roads safer, and we must do what we can to make sure no other family has to go through this." No-one witnessed the crash, but investigators believed the driver had over-corrected after going over a dip in the road, causing the car to enter a spin and hit a hedgerow and then the defects to the Audi or road surface that might have caused the crash were found, with a lack of driving experience and inappropriate speed deemed the pair did not believe that there should be a six month ban on under-21s carrying passengers, as suggested by the AA."There are young people under 21 who are the only drivers in their family, or who help out in their community," they said."We have to think logically, they shouldn't lose their freedom because of someone else's mistake." Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Free Malaysia Today
10-07-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
High on the highway: hidden cause in heavy crashes?
As road fatalities involving heavy vehicles continue to rise in Malaysia, public concern is mounting, as recent media reports have shown. Just last month, a tragic lorry accident near Teluk Intan claimed the lives of nine FRU personnel. On Monday, 15 died in a devastating bus crash en route to Gerik on the East West Highway. Both accidents are under investigation. Authorities investigating similar accidents in the past have identified a chilling common factor: drug use among commercial drivers. Although drunk driving tends to dominate the headlines, in Malaysia, drug abuse—particularly involving stimulants like methamphetamine—is a growing and dangerous trend among lorry and bus drivers. This quiet crisis is putting thousands of lives at risk daily on Malaysian roads and highways. Real crisis Driven by long hours, tight delivery schedules, and poor working conditions, many heavy goods vehicle and bus drivers resort to illicit drugs to stay alert. But the consequences are deadly—impaired reflexes, poor judgement and increased accident risk. The public is demanding action, and safety experts are urging authorities, especially the road transport department (JPJ), the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), the traffic division of PDRM and the transport ministry to implement urgent reforms. Thus, I would like to suggest immediate actions be taken, to stop the rampant accident trend nationwide. These are listed below. Immediate measures Random drug testing at key locations Surprise drug screenings at rest areas, toll plazas, and major bus terminals and ports—especially during the late-night hours—are critical to catching drivers under the influence before tragedy strikes. Instant suspension of offenders Drivers who fail drug tests should face immediate suspension of their commercial licences pending full investigation. No exceptions, no delays. National zero-tolerance campaign A high-impact media campaign should be launched immediately, using real stories, accident footage, mock-ups and testimonies to warn drivers and employers of the deadly risks and legal consequences. The transport ministry, being the ministry responsible for transport policy, should take the lead in such campaign—which should run continuously for at least one year—and make a strong stand on this issue. Tighter JPJ, traffic police & AADK coordination Collaboration between JPJ, traffic police and narcotics enforcement must be ramped up to target known high-risk areas, highway routes and operators. Short-term structural reforms Quarterly drug testing must be introduced for drivers of all heavy goods vehicles (HGV) and public service vehicles (PSV). All commercial driving licence holders must undergo mandatory drug screening every six months, with results centrally logged by JPJ to flag repeat offenders. Those who test positive must not be allowed back on the roads. Employer accountability Transport companies must implement in-house testing, provide mental health support, and face heavy penalties if their drivers are caught using drugs. Driver vetting Psychological screening and background checks must be introduced as part of the HGV and PSV licensing process to ensure only fit drivers are cleared for service. In-vehicle driver monitoring Install driver alertness systems and GPS tracking in all commercial vehicles to detect fatigue, erratic driving and long journeys undertaken without breaks. Conclusion We have no time left for further delays or inaction. While the formation of committees to investigate the accident causes is good, such an approach is unlikely by itself to reduce the number of road mishaps. Malaysia's highways are becoming increasingly dangerous, not just due to poor road conditions or speeding—but due to drivers getting high on illegal substances. These drivers operate the largest and most dangerous vehicles on our roads and highways. With every day of inaction more lives are being lost and families shattered. Confidence in road safety is fast eroding. The authorities must act fast through enforcement, accountability and reform. There is no room for compromise. The author can be reached at: [email protected] The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
Daily Mail
06-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Theory emerges about what caused triple-fatal crash in country Victoria
Three people are dead and another has been critically injured after a horror crash on a regional road that police suspect might have been caused by a kangaroo. The collision involving two SUVs occurred about 7.20am on Sunday on Bolinda-Darraweit Road in the Macedon Ranges, northwest of Melbourne. The triple fatality brought the number of lives lost on Victorian roads in 72 hours to six, prompting renewed warnings from authorities. Three people travelling in one SUV died at the scene, while two others involved in the crash were taken to hospital, one of whom had life-threatening injuries. A dead kangaroo was found near the scene, with police looking into whether one of the SUVs had veered to avoid it. 'It appears one of the vehicles has veered into incoming traffic ... and they've collided head-on, which has caused the catastrophic scene,' Senior Sergeant Ben Morris told reporters. 'We're not 100 per cent sure ... we're still working through the scene to confirm the involvement of the animal.' A motorist died hours later after a head-on collision on the Western Highway in Buangor, about 181km west of Melbourne. Police were called to the scene after a car reportedly veered onto the wrong side of the freeway and collided with another vehicle. The driver of the first car died at the scene and has yet to be formally identified. The second car's driver was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while a female passenger was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries. In a separate incident on Saturday night, a rider died and another is fighting for life after a crash involving two motorcycles and two vehicles on the Western Freeway at Grangefields, near Melbourne. A 16-year-old boy died in the city's east on Friday after being hit by a car, while an e-bike rider was critically injured in Geelong. Road Policing Command Superintendent Justin Goldsmith said most of the serious collisions at the weekend were on regional roads. 'Every life lost is one too many,' he said. 'What we have seen this weekend has been devastating and there are many families whose lives have changed forever as a result of the trauma on our roads.' Ambulance Victoria CEO Jordan Emery described the fatalities and injuries as the most horrific of circumstances. 'As a paramedic, I realise that these events are part of our job, but the tragic loss of life through road trauma is especially tough,' he said.'If there is one message we can send, it's to please take care when on the road. The impact is felt well beyond those behind the wheel.' There have been 156 lives lost on Victorian roads this year, 15 more than the same time in 2024.
Daily Mail
06-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Kangaroo on road could have caused triple-fatal crash
Three people are dead and another has been critically injured after a horror crash on a regional road that police suspect might have been caused by a kangaroo. The collision involving two SUVs occurred about 7.20am on Sunday on Bolinda-Darraweit Road in the Macedon Ranges, northwest of Melbourne. The triple fatality brought the number of lives lost on Victorian roads in 72 hours to six, prompting renewed warnings from authorities. Three people travelling in one SUV died at the scene, while two others involved in the crash were taken to hospital, one of whom had life-threatening injuries. A dead kangaroo was found near the scene, with police looking into whether one of the SUVs had veered to avoid it. 'It appears one of the vehicles has veered into incoming traffic ... and they've collided head-on, which has caused the catastrophic scene,' Senior Sergeant Ben Morris told reporters. 'We're not 100 per cent sure ... we're still working through the scene to confirm the involvement of the animal.' A motorist died hours later after a head-on collision on the Western Highway in Buangor, about 181km west of Melbourne. Three people died after two vehicles crashed in the Macedon Ranges, northwest of Melbourne Police were called to the scene after a car reportedly veered onto the wrong side of the freeway and collided with another vehicle. The driver of the first car died at the scene and has yet to be formally identified. The second car's driver was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while a female passenger was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries. In a separate incident on Saturday night, a rider died and another is fighting for life after a crash involving two motorcycles and two vehicles on the Western Freeway at Grangefields, near Melbourne. A 16-year-old boy died in the city's east on Friday after being hit by a car, while an e-bike rider was critically injured in Geelong. Road Policing Command Superintendent Justin Goldsmith said most of the serious collisions at the weekend were on regional roads. 'Every life lost is one too many,' he said. 'What we have seen this weekend has been devastating and there are many families whose lives have changed forever as a result of the trauma on our roads.' Ambulance Victoria CEO Jordan Emery described the fatalities and injuries as the most horrific of circumstances. 'As a paramedic, I realise that these events are part of our job, but the tragic loss of life through road trauma is especially tough,' he said. 'If there is one message we can send, it's to please take care when on the road. The impact is felt well beyond those behind the wheel.' There have been 156 lives lost on Victorian roads this year, 15 more than the same time in 2024.
