Aug 9, 2026
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More than two-thirds of Canadians say they regularly witness aggressive driving, while nearly half admit they often drive feeling stressed or tired, according to a new national survey from Desjardins Insurance.
The findings suggest many motorists are navigating a combination of fatigue, distraction and increasingly aggressive behaviour behind the wheel — factors that road safety experts say can affect decision-making and reaction times.
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"Road safety is about more than individual behaviour — it's shaped by the conditions drivers face every day," said Valérie Lavoie, president and chief operating officer of Desjardins General Insurance Group, in a statement. "Canadians are navigating distraction, stress and constant external demands all at once."
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Distracted driving isn't just about phones anymore
Six in 10 Canadians ranked distracted driving among the country's biggest road safety risks, but the survey suggests the biggest distractions aren't necessarily inside the vehicle.
External distractions, such as traffic, pedestrians and activity outside the vehicle, were cited more often (35%) than cellphone use (32%). In-vehicle technology (26%) and everyday habits like eating or drinking behind the wheel (22%) also ranked among the most common distractions.
The findings from Desjardins seem to align with broader road safety data. According to Transport Canada, distraction was a contributing factor in an estimated 17.8% of fatal collisions in 2023, while speeding contributed to 24.8% and impairment to 21.9%, underscoring how multiple risk factors often overlap on Canadian roads.
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Canadians know the risks — but don't always change their behaviour
The survey also revealed an interesting contradiction.
While 85% of respondents said speeding is a major road safety risk, 26% also said it's acceptable to exceed the speed limit.
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Meanwhile, 19% reported regularly witnessing alcohol-impaired driving, while 24% said they frequently see drivers they believe are impaired by cannabis.
Lavoie said improving road safety requires looking beyond any single behaviour.
"To make a real difference, we need to address this full reality through stronger awareness, better education and actions that help reduce risk on our roads," she said.
Beyond the obvious safety concerns, risky driving habits can also become expensive. Speeding tickets, at-fault collisions and impaired driving convictions can all lead to higher insurance premiums, repair costs and the loss of claims-free discounts.
For drivers, simple habits, such as putting phones out of reach, allowing extra travel time to reduce stress and avoiding the wheel when overly tired can lower both the safety risks and the financial costs that come with a preventable crash.
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Steven Brennan is a freelance finance writer based in Vancouver, BC. He holds a BA and an MA from Maynooth University, Ireland. His work regularly appears at Canadian Mortgage Trends, Lowest Rates, Loans Canada and other Canadian and US brands, while also working as a ghostwriter for financial influencers.
