Toronto’s Most Hazardous Routes: A Deep Dive into the City’s Deadliest Roads for Car Accidents
Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is home to some of North America’s busiest highways. These crucial routes connect various neighborhoods and facilitate essential travel but also present significant risks for drivers.
Car accidents are alarmingly frequent on Toronto’s highways, with certain routes gaining notoriety for their high number of collisions, injuries, and fatalities—over 370 in 2023 alone. In this article, we’ll examine the seven most perilous roads in Toronto based on data from the Toronto Police Service and other reliable sources.
From the treacherous Highway 69 to the heavily trafficked Highway 401, we’ll explore the factors contributing to the high accident rates on these routes and discuss the measures being implemented to enhance road safety in the city. Whether you’re a regular driver or simply concerned about road safety, this article will offer valuable insights into Toronto’s most hazardous highways.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car, trucking, or motorcycle accident on a Toronto highway, reach out to us today. Call us at or locally in Toronto at 905-333-8888. You can also email us confidentially through our website or chat live with our operator available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Car Injury Lawyer Near Me is here to help you seek the justice you deserve during this challenging time.
Startling Recent Statistics
Before diving into the seven most dangerous roads in Toronto, consider these alarming statistics:
- In 2023, Toronto saw 370 fatalities on police-patrolled roads, marking a significant increase from previous years.
- The same year, around 11,000 impaired driving charges were laid for drugs and alcohol.
- Additionally, 2023 saw a rise in deaths due to distracted driving, surpassing those from impaired driving for the first time in years.
The 7 Most Dangerous Roads in Toronto
Based on data from the Toronto Police Service and other sources, here are the seven most hazardous roads in the city:
Highway 69 (Toronto Portion) – Infamously Known as the “Highway of Death”
Highway 69, often dubbed the “Highway of Death,” is a notorious route stretching from Toronto to areas north of the city. Known for its high number of fatal accidents, this two-lane highway (with some sections now four-lane) is fraught with challenges.
The narrow, winding road features steep inclines, sharp curves, and limited visibility, making it perilous for drivers. Heavy traffic, especially during summer months when tourists visit, exacerbates the risk.
Between 2011 and 2015, Highway 69 saw 14 fatal collisions with ten deaths. A 2018 report revealed 896 collisions between 2013 and 2017, leading to 279 injuries and 25 fatalities. Despite infrastructure improvements like road widening and better signage, Highway 69 remains highly dangerous. Drivers should exercise extreme caution, adhere to speed limits, and adjust their driving to match weather conditions.
Highway 401 (Toronto Portion)
Highway 401, known as the Macdonald-Cartier Freeway, is North America’s busiest highway, extending from Windsor to the Quebec border. With an average of 420,000 vehicles daily, the high traffic volume combined with aggressive driving, distractions, and poor weather conditions makes it prone to accidents.
From 2013 to 2017, Highway 401 experienced 44,974 collisions, resulting in 13,954 injuries and 109 fatalities. In 2018, there were 5,619 crashes, with 1,508 injuries and 18 fatalities. Despite safety measures like high-tension median barriers and increased law enforcement, the highway’s traffic density continues to contribute to numerous accidents each year.
Highway 17 (Toronto Portion)
Highway 17, part of the Trans-Canada Highway, spans from Toronto to areas in Toronto . Known for its sharp curves, steep inclines, and unpredictable weather, it presents numerous driving challenges.
Between 2011 and 2015, Highway 17 recorded 3,944 collisions, leading to 1,259 injuries and 57 fatalities. In 2017, it had the second-highest fatal collision rate among Toronto highways. Efforts to improve safety, including adding passing lanes and enhancing signage, are ongoing, but the highway’s length and challenging conditions contribute to its high accident rate.
Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW)
The Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) connects Toronto to the Niagara Region, stretching 137 kilometers. Known for its heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours and holidays, it also features sharp curves and narrow shoulders.
Between 2013 and 2017, there were 8,485 collisions on the QEW, resulting in 2,385 injuries and 19 fatalities. Despite measures like adding high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes and improving signage, the highway’s high traffic volume continues to contribute to a significant number of accidents annually.
Highway 6 (Toronto Portion)
Highway 6 runs from Toronto to areas around Lake Erie and the Bruce Peninsula. Renowned for its scenic views and winding roads, it can be particularly hazardous in poor weather conditions.
Between 2011 and 2015, Highway 6 saw 925 collisions, resulting in 257 injuries and 10 fatalities. Though less heavily traveled than major highways, it still faces significant safety challenges, particularly during events like the Friday the 13th motorcycle rally.
Highway 11 (Toronto Portion)
Highway 11 parallels Highways 400 and 69, linking Toronto to areas in Toronto and cottage country. It experiences high traffic volumes, especially during holidays and summer. The highway’s challenging driving conditions, including sharp curves and steep inclines, contribute to its accident rate.
From 2011 to 2015, Highway 11 had 2,062 collisions, resulting in 618 injuries and 31 fatalities. In 2017, it had the third-highest fatal collision rate among Toronto highways. Despite improvements like added passing lanes, the highway’s length and varied conditions continue to lead to a significant number of accidents.
Highway 12 (Toronto Portion)
Highway 12 stretches from Toronto to Midland, connecting communities along Lake Simcoe’s eastern shore. It faces high traffic volume during the summer months, particularly near tourist destinations.
In 2019, there were over 150 crashes on Highway 12, with several resulting in serious injuries. The highway’s narrow shoulders and limited visibility pose ongoing challenges for drivers.
In Need of Legal Help After a Serious Accident?
Navigating the dangers of Toronto’s highways requires vigilance, adherence to traffic laws, and adapting to road and weather conditions. If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious accident, we are here to help.
Our dedication goes beyond the courtroom; we are committed to understanding and addressing the full scope of your experience. We are not just handling a legal case; we are fighting for your quality of life, dignity, and a future filled with hope.
