P.E.I. crashes caused by impairment, lack of seatbelt use: study [Video]

A lack of seatbelts, impairment and speeding were the leading causes of fatal crashes on Prince Edward Island in the last five years, according to a new study by the RCMP.

Police say they studied the leading contributing factors in the 68 fatal collisions on the Island from Jan. 1, 2019, to Oct. 31, 2024. Eighty people died across those five years of crashes.

The study says people not wearing seatbelts contributed to 35 per cent of fatal collisions. Impaired driving was a close second at 34 per cent, while speeding contributed to 26 per cent of deadly crashes.

“Recent data on fatal collisions in PEI underscores the reality that many of these fatalities are preventable. This report highlights the importance of slowing down, reporting impaired drivers and wearing your seatbelt. Through education and enforcement, we hope to reduce these tragedies,” says Chief Superintendent Kevin Lewis, commanding officer of the Prince Edward Island RCMP, in …