Why Canada’s Roads Are Getting Safer While U.S. Traffic Deaths Rise originally appeared on Autoblog.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released a new report showing that the United States is struggling to curb road deaths — while Canada is steadily pulling ahead. The study, done in collaboration with Canada’s Traffic Injury Research Foundation, reveals a 33% increase in U.S. traffic fatalities from 2011 to 2021. Over the same period, Canadian fatalities dropped by 18%, despite having more drivers and vehicle miles travelled.
This gap has led the IIHS to push its “30x30” initiative — a national campaign aiming to cut roadway deaths by 30% before the end of the decade. The group says Canada’s safety record proves it’s possible, if the U.S. is willing to adopt proven policies and enforce them consistently.
The Policy Divide
One of the clearest differences between the two countries lies in the application of safety laws. Canadian provinces have rolled out broad distracted driving bans, comprehensive seat belt requirements (including for rear passengers), and lower legal blood alcohol limits. Speed cameras and red-light enforcement are also more common and better maintained across Canada than in many U.S. states.
These measures may seem minor, but they add up. The IIHS found that vulnerable road users — like cyclists and pedestrians — saw a 17% decline in deaths in Canada, while U.S. fatalities in those categories jumped by 64%. Truck-involved deaths rose 54% in the U.S. but fell 24% north of the border. Among young drivers, Canada posted a 52% drop in fatalities, compared to a 17% increase in the U.S.
Cars Still Matter
Alongside stronger enforcement, the IIHS is also pointing to the importance of vehicle safety itself. As recent IIHS crash tests have shown, brands like Volvo and Tesla continue to lead in real-world safety, while more rugged, body-on-frame SUVs and pickups from Jeep and GM struggled to meet top-tier standards. The Institute argues that smarter policy needs to go hand in hand with safer vehicles — especially as large SUVs remain popular with American buyers.
Even buyers with tight budgets can prioritize crash protection. Earlier this year, the IIHS published a list of smart choices for families shopping on a budget, outlining safe, affordable cars recommended for teen drivers. The goal is to remove barriers for entry-level buyers, making safety accessible even in used markets.
Learning From The North
The cultural differences between the U.S. and Canada are relatively minor, the IIHS notes, which makes Canada’s success even more compelling. The organization says the U.S. doesn’t need to invent new strategies — just implement and enforce the ones that already work.
Some automakers are doing their part. According to recent safety rankings, a surprising brand topped the charts for 2025, reminding buyers that crash protection doesn’t always come with a luxury badge. Still, the IIHS says manufacturers alone can’t reverse the trend. It will take stronger laws, smarter enforcement, and real policy change — not just five-star marketing.
Why Canada’s Roads Are Getting Safer While U.S. Traffic Deaths Rise first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 4, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
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