Pedestrian fatalities in Canada, 2018 to 2020

Release date: October 30, 2023
Infographic: Pedestrian fatalities in Canada, 2018 to 2020
Description: Pedestrian fatalities in Canada, 2018 to 2020

On average, there were more than 300 pedestrian fatalities in Canada each year from 2018 to 2020.Note 1Note 2

Table 1
Table summary
This table displays the results of Table 1. The information is grouped by Main locations of Pedestrian Fatalities (appearing as row headers), Percentage (%) (appearing as column headers).
Main locations of Pedestrian Fatalities Percentage (%)
Intersections or traffic circles 21
Non-intersection roads (mid-block, one-way roads) 14
Highways 13
Parking lots or driveways 10
Railways 8

Risk Factors

At least one risk factor was reported in 65% of pedestrian fatalities, and at least two risk factors were reported in 40% of fatalities.Note 3

  • More than 1 in 4 pedestrian fatalities (26%) occurred at night.
  • Challenging weather, road conditions, decreased visibility and infrastructure issues were reported in more than 1 in 5 fatalities (23%).
  • Alcohol, cannabis, or other drug consumption was reported in 1 in 5 fatalities (20%).
  • A pedestrian wearing dark clothing was reported in 1 in 11 fatalities (9%).

Pedestrian fatality rate, by sex

  • Men: 1.0 deaths per 100,000 population
  • Women: 0.6 deaths per 100,000 population

Seniors aged 70 and older were at greatest risk of a fatal pedestrian incident.

Table 2
Table summary
This table displays the results of Table 2. The information is grouped by Age groups (years) (appearing as row headers), Rate (deaths per 100,000 population) (appearing as column headers).
Age groups (years) Rate (deaths per 100,000 population)
0-19 years 0.4
20-29 years 0.7
30-49 years 0.5
50-69 years 0.9
70 years and older 2.1

Source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Coroner and Medical Examiner Database, 2018 to 2020.

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