Newmarket drivers have fewest collisions in York Region: Allstate study
Collision rates involving pedestrians and cyclists on rise

YorkRegion.com
Nov. 27, 2017
Teresa Latchford

Newmarket tops drivers in York Region according to a new safe driving study.

Allstate Canada recently released its data on collisions across Ontario, Alberta, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, which ranks collision frequency rates in 93 communities.

The 2017 data places Newmarket in 39th place, Aurora in 46th, Stouffville in 64th, Markham in 67th, Richmond Hill in 73rd, Thornhill in 79th, Woodbridge in 80th, Maple in 82nd and Concord in 85th.

Despite the findings that collision rates are improving in some areas, overall collision rates have increased 2.5 per cent, with the most severe incidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, more than head-on collisions.

“These results show there is still a lot of work to be done to help reduce collisions, especially as we head into what is typically the most dangerous driving season of the year,” Allstate’s David Maclnnis said. “Our study reinforces the need to talk about what can be done to help reduce these collisions to improve the safety of everyone using our roads, whether they’re in a vehicle, on a bike or on foot.”

The study also found the date with the fewest collision claims in Ontario is Christmas Day; and the date with the most collision claims from 2012 to 2017 is Feb. 12.

Across the country, Friday is the day of the week with the most collision claims, with most being due to rear-ending.

The Ontario communities with the highest collision rates are Ajax, North York and Scarborough.

For the full study, visit Allstate.ca.

Tips to help keep the roads safe this holiday season:

• Keep vehicle in park until your seat and mirrors are in position and everyone is buckled and settled in.
• Avoid distractions such as your smartphone, eating, drinking, grooming and changing music.
• Keep an eye out for cyclists and pedestrians at all times.
• Keep the volume of music and passenger devices to a level that allows the driver to hear what is happening outside the vehicle.
• Don’t wear headphones while driving.
• Invest in winter tires.
• Don’t drive while impaired, arrange another way home or stay the night.