UMVA has learned that a tragic milestone was reached on Toronto streets this year, with the 23rd death occurring on Monday in Etobicoke, where a 63-year-old man lost control of his Dodge Dart and crashed into a parked dump truck.
The alarming trend continues to worsen, with deaths on city roadways increasing by 28% compared to the same period in 2025 and a 44% jump from two years ago, according to information obtained by UMVA.
This grim total marks the highest number of fatalities in the city over the last five years, and the most since 2022, when 20 people lost their lives. The recent deaths have sparked concerns about road safety in Toronto.
In a disturbing sequence of events, Monday's fatal collision occurred just a day after a pedestrian was struck by a motorist and died at the scene. On May 26, a 37-year-old motorcyclist lost his life after colliding with an oncoming vehicle.
Police have identified that distracted or careless driving, in addition to speed and aggressive driving, has played a significant role in fatal collisions. The numbers indicate a worrying trend that demands attention.
Pedestrians and motorcycle riders have been disproportionately affected, with pedestrians accounting for 14 of the 23 fatalities so far this year. The numbers are stark, with a significant increase in road deaths among vulnerable road users.
The crisis on Toronto streets has already claimed the lives of six motorcyclists, exceeding the total number of motorcyclist deaths recorded over the previous four years combined. Cyclist deaths also remain a concern.
In response to the alarming trend, Mayor Olivia Chow has advocated for the return of speed cameras, which were outlawed by the Ontario government last November. Chow believes that speed cameras could help lower people's speed, especially in school and community zones.
The province has announced plans to replace speed cameras in school zones with large new signs advising drivers to slow down. However, concerns persist about the effectiveness of these measures in reducing road fatalities.
A residents' group has reported a surge in speeding on Parkside Drive since the automated speed camera ban took effect, with vehicles travelling 60 km/h or more increasing by 235% between January and April.
