York among most accident-prone regions for drivers

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 7, 2015
By Jonalyn Aguilar

York Region continues to be home to some of the most accident prone communities in Canada, according to the latest study by a national auto insurance company.

Allstate Canada conducted an analysis of collision claims data to determine which cities are among the safest.

The two-year study from 2013 to 2015 has concluded that of 81 communities, Markham, Richmond Hill, Thornhill, and Woodbridge are part of those increasing in car catastrophes.

The data was ranked on frequency of collisions, not severity of accident, from safest to more accident prone.

Richmond Hill placed 74th, with a 6.58% frequency of a collision per 100 cars, a result of an 12% increase in collision claims.

Ranking 72nd in the study is Thornhill, having a 6.52% chance of damage, as opposed to its previous rate of 5.97%.

Just behind at 67th place is Markham, at a 6.18% rate of crashes, higher than its 5.73% just three years ago.

Woodbridge, higher on the list, at 49, only had a frequency of 5.80%, increasing 4% in accident claims.

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada Safe Driving Study, has been reviewing the data for the past seven years in attempt to improve our safety on the streets.

“We may all believe that we’re taking the necessary steps to be safe on the roads, it’s clear that more needs to be done to remind drivers to pay attention when they’re behind the wheel.

"Many of the collisions we see reported are entirely preventable, so it’s important to open up a dialogue about what needs to be done to bring that number down,” says Ryan Michel, senior vice-president and chief risk officer for Allstate Insurance Company of Canada.

“That is our reason for publishing the Safe Driving Study - encouraging open discussion about the trends we’re seeing so that drivers can be reminded about how important it is to be safe behind the wheel.”

There are a a number of steps Canadians can take to be responsible behind the wheel. Leave space, rear-enders are a likely form of collision to take place on the roads, leave a lot of room in front of and around your vehicle, regardless of where you’re driving.

Remember to check your mirror, be vigilant about checking your blind spots at regular intervals.

Slow down, although tempting to speed up when road conditions are clear, you can reduce your likelihood of being involved in an accident just by maintaining a steady speed.

Share the road, accidents involving parked vehicles were the third most-common type of claim this year. Just focus, keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your phone stowed away.

For a checklist of what to do in the event of a collision, visit www.goodhandsadvice.ca.