November 4, 2024, RCMP HQ -PEI RCMP recently conducted an analysis of the leading contributing factor of fatal collisions on PEI in RCMP Jurisdiction. Between January 1st 2019 and October 31st, 2024 there have been 68 fatal collisions resulting in 80 lives lost.
The leading contributing factors of the PEI fatal collision are:
- Not wearing a seatbelt (35% of fatal collisions)
- Impaired driving (34% of fatal collisions)
- Speed (26% of fatal collisions)
Note that these are cases when causation could be determined. It is possible that the actual percentages could be higher.
Impaired driving is attributed to 23 of the 80 lives lost.
The PEI RCMP work closely with the PEI Justice and Public Safety who have recognized that impaired driving, speeding and lack of seatbelt use has continued to be a problem on the Island. In the last 4 years, Justice and Public Safety has funded 4 additional Traffic Services positions for the RCMP, bringing our team up to 6 Traffic officers.
RCMP stopped 16 impaired drivers in October; this includes impaired drivers by alcohol (9), drug (5), and those who refuse a police test demand (2). Note that many of these cases are awaiting blood sample results prior to charges being laid. The total arrests by RCMP so far in 2024 now stands at 212, last year RCMP in PEI made over 230 impaired driving arrests.
"Recent data on fatal collisions in PEI underscores the reality that many of these fatalities are preventable. This report highlights the importance of slowing down, reporting impaired drivers and wearing your seatbelt. Through education and enforcement, we hope to reduce these tragedies," says Chief Superintendent Kevin Lewis, Commanding Officer of the Prince Edward Island RCMP.
Note to Media:
- The RCMP Report on Road Fatalities is available upon request.
- There has been one additional road fatality since this report was authored.
- All data is for PEI RCMP Jurisdiction ONLY.