During the 2026 construction holiday period, eighteen people lost their lives on Quebec roads, according to data released by the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). The agency emphasized that the majority of these fatalities were preventable, highlighting concerns about safety during the holiday interval.
The SAAQ’s figures represent a notable deviation from a broader trend in the province. Over the past ten years, the overall number of road deaths in Quebec has remained relatively stable, showing little fluctuation from year to year. In contrast, the construction holiday period this year accounted for all eighteen recorded fatalities, a concentration that officials attribute largely to avoidable circumstances.
While the agency did not provide a detailed breakdown of the incidents, its statement that most deaths could have been avoided suggests that factors such as driver behavior, vehicle condition, or road environment may have played a role. The SAAQ’s assessment aligns with its ongoing mandate to monitor traffic safety and to promote measures that reduce the risk of severe accidents.
The construction holiday, a recurring interval in the province’s road maintenance calendar, typically sees a pause in many roadwork projects. The SAAQ’s report underscores the importance of heightened vigilance among motorists during this time, especially given the concentration of fatalities observed.
Authorities are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the eighteen deaths and to consider additional safety initiatives aimed at preventing similar outcomes in future holiday periods. The agency’s focus on preventability points to a continued effort to maintain the decade‑long stability of Quebec’s road safety record while addressing the specific risks associated with the construction holiday.
The SAAQ’s findings serve as a reminder that even during periods of reduced roadwork activity, the potential for serious accidents persists, and proactive measures remain essential to protect travelers on Quebec’s highways.