Ottawa Police are reminding drivers to slow down and share the road after seeing a recent increase in serious and fatal collisions involving vulnerable road users in Ottawa this year.
Since Sept 9, the Ottawa Police Fatal Collision Investigation Unit (FCIU) handled ten serious collision investigations, including six deaths and four with life-threatening injuries.
In 2026 so far, police say Ottawa has dealt with 26 traffic-related fatalities and eight life-threatening injury collisions, which is already above the 23 fatalities recorded during all of 2025. Many of these fatalities have involved “vulnerable road users,” such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
Those involved in these incidents were seven pedestrians, one cyclist, four motorcyclists, one ATV operator, and one moped or seated scooter operator. Investigators have also noted what they deem a “concerning” increase in collisions involving older pedestrians and motorcyclists.
Police say that common causes of these fatal incidents include:
Speeding
Impaired driving
Distracted driving
Careless driving
Dangerous driving
Failure to follow the rules of the road
Whether driving, riding a motorcycle, cycling or walking, residents are being reminded to:
Obey posted speed limits and adjust speed for road and weather conditions
Stay focused on the road and avoid using cell phones or other distractions
Never drive impaired by alcohol, drugs, or medication
Watch carefully for pedestrians, particularly at intersections and crossings
Give cyclists and motorcyclists space and take a second look before turning or changing lanes.
Follow all traffic laws and signals.
Police urge everyone to consider how life-changing a fatal collision can be and that sharing the roads are everyone’s responsibility.
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