MONTREAL - Though they're often blamed for their dangerous behaviour behind the wheel, young drivers are actually less responsible for road fatalities than their slightly older counterparts, a new study shows.
According to the 2011 Quebec road statistics presented Monday by Transport Minister Pierre Moreau, the number of fatalities jumped 31 per cent over the previous year among drivers between the ages of 25 and 34, making that the worst age group of those for 2011 road deaths.
Young professionals, who are sometimes subjected to long hours early in their careers, are now a priority for Transport Quebec, which is planning to launch awareness campaigns on driver fatigue.
"This is the beginning of very productive years on the job market. Is it related to fatigue? We will see," said Moreau. "We will certainly further investigate what's behind the numbers to find explanations and see what measures could be taken to improve that situation."
Quebecers should also expect more photo radar devices on the roads.
Despite the ban on cellphones, talking and texting on the road continues, said Moreau.
"Those behaviours have to be condemned, just as speeding has to be condemned," he said.
Road deaths among young people 15 to 24 years old actually declined by 22 per cent, the sharpest decline for 2011 among all age groups, though that group is still responsible for most accidents.
The report shows that the overall number of fatalities has dropped by only 0.4 percent compared to 2010. That translates to two fewer deaths throughout the province.
The road safety record over five years, however, is much better, with a 17.4 per cent drop in fatalities.
"What we have to achieve is to continue what we have done for the last five years at least because our figures are getting better and better," said Moreau
Quebec road safety expert Jean-Marie de Koninck said he is pleased with the improvements
"It is very significant. It can't be only coincidence, it has to be because something has changed," he said.
