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Driver fatigue – A deadly danger, all-year-long

July 23, 2025

At the height of the construction holiday, the "Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)" issued a timely reminder to vacationers hitting the road: driver fatigue can be fatal.

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This is no exaggeration! According to data from the Ministry of Transport, fatigue is responsible for one in four fatal accidents in Québec. In fact, the two weeks of the construction holiday rank among the deadliest on the road network, year after year. On average, 17 people lose their lives, 78 are seriously injured, and 1,358 suffer minor injuries during this period.

Yet nearly 80% of these accidents could be avoided by following these tips:

  • Plan a rest before leaving for vacation;
  • Share driving duties with another driver, if possible;
  • Take a break every two hours to stretch and recharge;
  • Recognize the signs of fatigue, such as frequent yawning, eye strain, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and more.

At the first signs of fatigue, it’s important to stop as soon as it’s safe to do so. Don’t assume you're immune to the consequences of tiredness, because only a short nap of 20 to 30 minutes can truly counter it.

Another great way to combat driver fatigue is by spotting Villages-relais along your route and planning your trip accordingly! Discover a different way to travel with a wide range of services and attractions to enrich your journey.

Check the complete list of our members : List of Villages-relais

Source : SAAQ