A series of tragedies on Quebec roads since Christmas Eve have left five people dead and several others injured, a sign that we still need to be wary of alcohol and fatigue while driving, an expert warns.
“If you haven't slept in the last 24 or 36 hours, everything indicates that your abilities are weakened,” summarizes André Durocher, director of community relations and traffic safety at CAA-Quebec, in an interview.
“The fatigue and stress aspect is undeniably part of the blind spot,” he emphasizes.
According to an investigation by Le Journal, five people have died and around ten others have been injured in serious accidents since December 24th.
Read or re-read about the events that happened
• Also read: Child seriously injured on Christmas Eve: complaint against driver, repeat offender who has lost his driver's license
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• Also read: 17-year-old girl dies in collision
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In addition, at around 5:45 a.m. this morning, a toddler was seriously injured in a vehicle on Highway 15 near Sainte-Adèle.
The 29-year-old man who was behind the wheel, Alexandre Miron, is currently being prosecuted for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
In a few minutes
A similar scenario would have occurred on December 29 around 6:30 p.m.
A van skidding killed a 32-year-old woman and injured three others who were on board on Route 113 between Lebel-sur-Quévillon and Chibougamau in Nord-du-Québec.
The driver's blood was taken and he was arrested for impaired driving resulting in death.
A few minutes earlier, Brigitte Dion, 51, a niece of the famous singer Céline Dion, died in a collision near Lanaudière after a vehicle swerved in the opposite direction.
Too young
One of the youngest victims to lose his life last week is Kelly Garceau, 17 years old.
It continues to rain tributes and photos in his honor on social networks.
Taken from Kelly Garceau's Facebook account
Kelly Garceau, 17, died on Friday, December 29, after losing control of her vehicle in Saint-Zénon in Lanaudière.
On Friday around 3 p.m., the driver veered from her lane on Chemin Brassard (Route 131) near Sept-Chutes Regional Park and came into contact with another oncoming vehicle.
“Far too young to leave us… I am blessed to have had the time to get to know you and spend time with you,” writes Kelly-Ann Généreux.
According to the Sûreté du Québec, it cannot be ruled out that the weather is to blame.
This reminds us that conditions can change from region to region and need to be monitored, argues André Durocher of CAA-Quebec.
“Sometimes 1 degree makes a difference, and black ice is unforgiving,” he emphasizes.