A recent study conducted by fleet management and safety company Samsara revealed that over half of the most hazardous winter roads in Canada are located in Ontario. Factors such as weather conditions, wildlife presence, and urban settings contribute to the high rate of collisions in these areas.
The study analyzed fleet vehicle data collected between 2022 and 2025 to identify the top 10 dangerous winter hotspots in the country. Topping the list nationwide is Erieau Road in the Chatham-Kent region near Lake Erie. According to Kelly Soderlund, head of insights at Samsara, the road’s proximity to the lake results in significant impacts from wind and moisture, making it prone to winter crashes at a rate six times higher than other locations on the list.
Samsara employs artificial intelligence sensors and cameras on all its fleet vehicles to monitor incidents such as crashes, harsh braking, and speeding. By analyzing three years’ worth of data, Soderlund identified clusters of crash-prone areas across Canada, emphasizing that dangers for large fleet vehicles also pose risks for passenger vehicles.
Additional Ontario locations on the list include Highway 17 in Kenora-Dryden, Highway 11 in Hearst-Kapuskasing, and the Queen Elizabeth Way along the Burlington Skyway. Highway 401 in Ontario features two separate danger zones: one near Mississauga where multiple highways intersect, and another along the collector-express weave between Toronto Pearson Airport and Scarborough.
Despite the findings, Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) spokesperson Nadia Matos believes that Ontario highways are among the safest in North America. While acknowledging human error as a factor in crashes, Soderlund highlighted three main categories contributing to dangerous road conditions: proximity to water bodies leading to snow squalls and visibility issues, remote areas with wildlife encounters, and congested zones with a mix of commercial and passenger vehicles.
The study also revealed that winter records the highest volume of crashes, with more than one-third occurring during the colder months. Matos urged drivers to exercise caution, especially during holiday periods, when inclement weather and increased traffic intensify road risks. Taking preventive measures like reducing speed, avoiding distractions, and staying vigilant can help mitigate accidents during the winter season.