Ontario experienced a tragic milestone in 2023, with the Ontario Provincial Police reporting the highest number of car collision-related deaths on highways since 2007. This alarming statistic marks 2023 as the deadliest year in over 15 years.
In response to these figures, MyChoice, a leading Canadian insurtech company, conducted an in-depth study to rank the province's safest and most dangerous cities for driving in 2024.
Using data gathered from over 150,000 car insurance quotes since 2020, the study examined accident and infraction records to provide a comprehensive overview of driving safety across Ontario. The methodology prioritized accident severity with a 70/30 weighting ratio for accidents versus infractions, such as distracted driving and speeding, resulting in a detailed scoring system from 0 to 5.
Safest Cities for Driving in Ontario
Toronto claimed the top spot as the safest city for driving in Ontario, earning an impressive score of 4.5 out of 5. This ranking reflects the city’s consistently low accident and infraction rates. Other cities that ranked highly include East York, North York, and Whitby, each achieving a score of 4.2. These areas demonstrate a commitment to road safety and responsible driving habits.
Most Dangerous Cities for Driving in Ontario
Brantford was identified as the most dangerous city for drivers, with a low score of 0.7 out of 5. This ranking was attributed to its high rates of accidents and traffic infractions. Other high-risk areas included Kingston (0.7), Burlington (0.8), and Brampton (1.1). Drivers in these cities are urged to exercise extra caution to mitigate risks on the road.
Notable Driving Safety Trends
The study revealed a striking contrast between larger metropolitan areas and mid-sized cities. Regions like Toronto and North York reported significantly lower rates of accidents and infractions compared to smaller cities such as Kingston and Brantford. This trend underscores the importance of tailored road safety initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by drivers in different types of communities.
MyChoice CEO Aren Mirzaian offered practical advice for Ontario drivers in light of the study’s findings: “One major recommendation that we have for Ontario drivers is to get winter tires. Not only will this make driving much safer for people on the roads this winter, but it’s also a smart financial decision."
"You can get a 5% discount on your car insurance rates in Ontario with many insurers for using them. At MyChoice, we encourage drivers to take proactive steps like this to improve road safety and optimize their insurance savings,” added Mirzaian.
For a deeper dive into the study and to explore the full list of ranked cities, click here to read the full report.