29 lives lost on Ottawa roads this year: Police urge immediate action from all road users
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 2:50 p.m.
Ottawa — Ottawa has now recorded 29 traffic-related fatalities in 2026, surpassing the 23 fatalities recorded during all of 2025.
Following a series of recent fatal collisions, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), in an ongoing partnership with Safer Roads Ottawa, is renewing its urgent appeal to everyone who drives, walks, cycles or rides to make road safety a priority.
Each of these deaths represents a person whose life was cut short, families facing unimaginable loss and communities forever changed.
The increase in fatal collisions is a stark reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility and that a single moment of distraction, impatience or poor decision-making can have devastating consequences.
“Twenty-nine families have already experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one on our roads this year. These tragedies are not inevitable. Many can be prevented when all road users make safe, responsible choices every time they travel through our community. We are asking everyone to slow down, stay focused and look out for one another before another life is lost.” – Sgt. Josh Callaghan, Road Safety Unit
While police and road safety partners continue to conduct enforcement, education and public awareness initiatives across Ottawa, enforcement alone cannot prevent every collision.
Drivers are reminded to:
- Slow down and obey posted speed limits.
- Never drive while impaired by alcohol, drugs or medication.
- Put distractions away and focus on the road.
- Watch carefully for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
- Give vulnerable road users the space they need to travel safely.
Pedestrians and cyclists can also help reduce risk by:
- Following traffic signals and crossing where it is safe to do so.
- Staying alert and avoiding distractions.
- Making themselves visible, particularly in low-light conditions.
- Following the rules of the road and communicating their intentions clearly.
Road safety depends on the choices each of us makes every day.
Twenty-nine deaths mean twenty-nine families forever changed. By slowing down, paying attention and respecting one another on our roads, every person can help prevent the next tragedy.
The Ottawa Police Service and Safer Roads Ottawa are asking everyone to take this message to heart and help ensure that every road user reaches their destination safely.
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