Association for Safe International Road Travel Road Safety Review: Canada (East) Know Before You Go Driving Culture Eastern Canada is comprised of the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New • Drivers are typically polite. Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. • Drink driving is a problem, Driving is on the right. particularly in remote areas. Drivers are required to carry proof of insurance and a valid national driving • Despite laws, driver use of handheld license. US and UK driving licenses are good for up to three months. An devices remains a problem. International Driving Permit (IDP) is required of visitors from other countries. • In some remote areas, driver Car rental agency rules vary; an IDP may be necessary for UK drivers to rent in behavior reflects an opinion some locations. that fate rather than personal While fatalities have decreased, pedestrian injuries in Canada are the leading cause of injury-related fatalities for children under the age of 14. responsibility determines road Traffic rules and regulations may vary between provinces. safety. Blood alcohol limit is specific to province. Range: 0.04–0.08 g/dl for general • There are many large trucks on population and 0.00–0.08 g/dl for young or novice drivers. trans-national routes; driver There are 5.8 road deaths per 100,000 people in Canada, compared to 2.8 in fatigue may result in inattention Sweden and 3.1 in the UK. or other risky behavior. Road Conditions • There are 1,042,300 km (647,655 miles) of roads in Canada. 415,600 km (258,241 miles) are paved, including 17,000 km (10,563 miles) of expressways; 626,700 km (389,413 miles) are unpaved. • Inter-provincial road systems are limited to the National Highway System and the Trans-Canada Highway. • Road transportation is the main form of transport nationwide. • The road network is extensive, but less developed in extreme northern territorial areas. • Roads are regarded as being in moderately good condition nationwide. • Provincial and smaller roads often have damaged verges and deep potholes. • Toll roads include Ontario Highways 407 and 412, the Cobequid Pass in Nova Scotia and Quebec Autoroute 30. • Roads are subject to winter closures due to icy surfaces, winds and deep snow. During winter months, remote stretches of roads and highways may not be cleared quickly. • Pedestrian infrastructure is well developed in cities and towns. • Large animals on roadways are common, particularly in remote areas. Many large animals are nocturnal. Use care at dusk, dawn, and when driving at night. • Drivers should avoid roads designated as “ice roads.” These temporary winter roads often traverse the frozen surfaces of lakes or sea water. Source: CIA Factbook ©ASIRT 2019 1 Association for Safe International Road Travel Road Safety Review: Canada (East) • The following roads may present particular challenges to motorists: » In Ottawa, Highway 401 between Whites Rd. in Pickering and Courtice Rd. east of Oshawa regularly sees a high number of crashes. » Canadian Automobile Association lists Highway 40 in Quebec as one of Canada’s worst highways. Deterioration has resulted in sections of the road collapsing, making it a very dangerous drive. » Quebec Provincial Highway 389 links Quebec with the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The road surface has sections of asphalt alternating with gravel. Gravel sections are in poor repair with deep potholes. The road has many twists and turns. There have been multiple fatal crashes. During severe weather the road may be closed without advance notice. » Located along the southern shore of Nova Scotia, Highway 103 is regarded by the provincial Department of Transportation as a dangerous road. Multiple fatal crashes have occurred in this area. » The Trans-Labrador Highway (TLH) in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador has a surface of mixed asphalt and gravel. The winding road has many narrow bridges, steep grades and sharp curves. The road has many potholes and stretches of washboard surface. Loose gravel and ice contribute to road hazards. Speed Limits Unless Otherwise Signed: Regional and Seasonal Conditions Speed Limits May Vary by Province • Canada is subject to heavy snow, avalanches, earthquakes, Type of road Maximum speed tsunamis, hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and 50 to 70 kph Urban areas forest fires. (31 to 43 mph) 40 to 50 kph • Winter driving can be treacherous. Extreme snow and icy Residential areass conditions are common throughout Canada. (25 to 31 mph) • Forest fires occur year-round. Risks are higher in western Rural two-lane 80 to 90 kph highways (50 to 55 mph) forests and grasslands. 110 kph Multi-lane highways • Tornadoes are common from May to September, peaking in (68 kph) June and July in southern Ontario, southeast Quebec and western New Brunswick. Always adjust speed according to signage, hazards and weather conditions. • Thunderstorms with heavy rain are common year-round. Hurricane season in coastal areas is generally from July to November. • Be familiar with emergency procedures. The Red Cross • The train network extends from coast to coast and provides a website and free, downloadable emergency app: serves most major cities. http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/ • Multiple taxicompanies operate throughout cities. types-of-emergencies • Official licensed taxis are metered and display identification cards on the dashboard. Public Transportation • Taxis may be hailed on the street, found in queues • Public transportation is well developed in most towns and and at stands, or booked via phone. cities, but less so in rural areas. • Well-organized, modern ferryboats provide routes • Public transport options include buses, trains, subways, light in coastal areas. Larger ferries provide passenger rail, streetcars and ferries. and car transport. • All forms of public transportation are generally regarded as safe and efficient. Traffic Regulations • Bus routes include city systems and long distance service. • Language on traffic and roads signs varies between Greyhound operates most long distance buses. provinces. Signs are generally pictorial and may not follow European Union conventions. French and Overtaking Shared Bicycle Yield Parking Must turn Yield No stopping English stop permitted pathway lane ahead allowed left or right at allowed sign (Quebec) roundabout ©ASIRT 2019 2 Association for Safe International Road Travel Road Safety Review: Canada (East) • Speed cameras are common. Ottawa, Ontario (Capital) • Right turns on red are generally »»Roads are generally in good condition. allowed unless signed »»Traffic jams may occur during morning and evening rush hours. otherwise; right turns on red »»The Ottawa Transitway is a system of roads, tunnels and lanes restricted to buses from are prohibited in parts of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Even during these hours, motorists must cross restricted Quebec. lanes to make right turns, contributing to traffic jams. »»Streets frequently change names in different parts of the city. • Drivers are required to yield the »»Many downtown streets are one-way. entire roadway at pedestrian »»Public transportation is generally regarded as safe and efficient. crossings, school crossings, or »»Public transport options include buses and light rail. any location where there is a »»The light rail O-Train has one line. A second line is currently under construction; crossing guard present. many city roads are currently impacted by detours and closures to accommodate • In most provinces and territories construction. drivers must be a minimum »»Taxis are metered and may be found at downtown stands or booked by phone. of 18. »»The city’s position in Ontario on the Ottawa River across the water from Quebec • Rental agencies generally sometimes affects taxi service. Ottawa taxis are restricted from picking up fares require drivers to be a streetside on the Quebec side of the river. If traveling into Quebec, phone for a Quebec-based taxi service. minimum of 21; restrictions »»Ottawa Station is the main train station. Routes are operated by VIA Rail. Daily trains may vary with company. connect to multiple cities including Montreal and Toronto. • Seat belt use is compulsory »»Pedestrian infrastructure is well developed. for driver and all passengers »»There are 170 km (105 miles) of bicycle paths. Some paths are shared with pedestrians throughout Canada. or are located within lanes shared by motorists. • Children may not ride in front »»Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is 12.3 km (7.6 miles) from city center. seat unless contained in a »»Bus 97 from the airport to city center is operated by OC Transpo. Fares can be paid child restraint appropriate to onboard, or with a Presto city transportation card. age and height. »»Licensed, metered taxis can be found outside of the arrivals area. • Winter tires are mandatory in »»Most major car rental agencies are represented, and are located in the parking garage directly across from the arrivals terminal via a pedestrian crossing. Quebec Dec. 15 to March 15. Toronto, Ontario • In other areas winter tires »»Largest Canadian city. are recommended but »»Toronto’s major highways are the QEW, the 404, the 401, the 400 and the 427. not required; these areas »»Traffic is often heavy throughout the day, particularly on incoming highways. experience high volumes »»City streets are laid out in a grid. Roads are well signed. of snow and frequent icy »»Traffic congestion is common, especially during rush hours. conditions. »»Turn restrictions frequently apply on city streets at connections to main roads. • Helmet use is compulsory »»Drivers must yield to buses merging into traffic. for motorcycle drivers and »»Drivers may not pass streetcars traveling in the same direction if doors are open. passengers. Helmets must be »»The far right lane on some streets including Bay Street may be reserved for transit fastened; enforcement is high. vehicles, taxis and bicycles from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Other drivers may enter lane only to • Police may carry out random make a right turn.