Prepared by:

Jeff Suggett, M. Sc, Manager of Special Projects Synectics Transportation Consultants Inc. .

Abstract

MADD Canada and Transport Canada retained Synectics Transportation Consultants Inc. (Synectics) to conduct a study into fatal and injury crashes among unlicensed drivers in the province of Ontario during the years 1996 through 2003. Based on a review of data provided by the Ministry of Transportation, it was determined that approximately 2,000 fatal and injury crashes occur each year involving unlicensed drivers.

Crashes involving unlicensed drivers were compared to overall provincial trends contained within the Ontario Road Safety Annual Reports. It was found that crashes involving unlicensed drivers were more likely to have a fatal outcome rather than an injury outcome. Unlicensed drivers were more likely to be at fault in the crash (cited as not driving properly). Alcohol or drugs were also more likely to have been reported at the time of the crash. The same analysis was also undertaken examining unlicensed drivers grouped by Criminal Code offences (alcohol related/not alcohol related), administrative/Highway Traffic Act suspensions, never licensed or expired license. All groups (separately and collectively) had a significantly elevated risk (p=0.05).

Unlicensed drivers were also shown to have a significantly higher likelihood of attempting to flee the scene of the crash (p=0.05). Given that approximately 2,500 – 3,000 fatal and injury crashes occur each year in which the driver successfully fled the scene of the crash, it was estimated that the actual number of unlicensed drivers involved in a fatal and injury crash is 18 percent higher than that reported.

For a complete copy of this paper, please contact: jsuggett@synectics-inc.net