Deadly Quebec road accidents up 13% in 2015

Quebec provincial police say there wasa 13 per cent increase in fatal accidents on the province's roads in 2015 compared to the previous year.

The report, released Wednesday, comes after the province saw a record low in fatal collisions in 2014.

ButSretduQubecSgt.JasonAllard says the jump last year isn't cause for alarm.

"It's not an exceptionalor more dangerous year," Allard said, adding thatfatal accidents last year were 10 per cent lower than the average for 2010 to 2014.

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Here are the top factors:

• Excess speeding and reckless driving 26%
• Impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs, or fatigue17%
• Distraction at the wheel5%

Police say 21 per cent of those who died in fatal crashes were not wearing seat belts.

Allardestimated about halfof those victims"would be here today if they were wearing their seatbelt."

Motorcycle deaths up

A closer look at the 2015 numbers shows great strides for some groupsand setbacks for others.

Motorcyclists saw their involvement in fatal collisions increase by 30 per cent, while victims ages 16-24 saw a 38 per cent decrease.

While the SQ is still analyzing why the number of fatalities jumped for motorcyclists, Allard says the decrease in young victims could be the result of measures like driving lessons and zero-tolerance for alcoholadding up.

"There's a social response where it is not cool anymore to be drinking and driving, especially at a young age," Allard said.

The SQ says it will continue its efforts to make Quebec roads saferin 2016 through education and prevention efforts, but also says that it cannot achieve this without the helpof drivers.

"We need the help of drivers out on the road to be courteous and follow safety regulations," Allardsaid, "because they're ones who can make the difference."