Ontario’s roads have claimed too many lives this summer. Across the province, a recent two-week surge of deadly collisions, motorcycle tragedies, head-on crashes on our busiest highways, and at-fault truck incidents paints a grim and urgent picture.
You never know whose life you’ll change with a single glance. Last summer, paramedic Alisha raced against the clock to save a motorcyclist pinned beneath a pickup truck. She arrived to find him conscious but slipping fast every second mattered. Stories like this unfold on our highways daily, reminding us that speed, distraction, or one missed look can shatter families in an instant.
It’s time for a new kind of road pact one where each of us pledges to act before the crash happens. When you commit to that extra “second look,” you’re more than a driver; you’re someone’s guardian angel.
Fatalities by the Numbers
In 2023, Ontario recorded 812 road-user fatalities, a 6 % rise over 2022.
Pedestrians accounted for 35 % of those losses.
Bicyclists and motorcyclists made up 18 %.
Impaired-driving collisions rose by 4 %.
Speed-related crashes climbed by 7 %.
What’s Driving the Carnage?
Speeding and aggressive driving
Impairment from alcohol, cannabis, or prescription drugs
When these factors converge, the outcomes are catastrophic.
Two-Week Surge: July 11–24, 2025
July 16: Head-on collision on Highway 7 near Pickering 3 killed, 2 critically injured
July 11–19: Five separate motorcycle crashes across Kawartha Lakes, Thunder Bay, Niagara, London, and Leamington multiple fatalities and critical airlifts
OPP officer struck by a fleeing vehicle during an impaired driving stop
Deadly collisions on rural backroads and 400-series routes alike
Take the Pledge
Share this pledge with family, friends, and colleagues. Use #DriveLikeTheyMatter
Before every trip, I will:
Obey posted speed limits
Designate a sober driver or choose alternate transportation
Stow my phone until I’m parked
Give large trucks ample space
Always take a second look for motorcycles and pedestrians
Check blind spots and intersections before turning
I’m asking you to see these roads not as endless asphalt, but as mirrors of our choices every time we drive. When we pair sobering statistics with real stories and commit to simple, lifesaving actions we can stop these heartbreaking losses. Please share this message: someone’s life may depend on it.
Language proficiency plays a critical role in road safety for commercial truck drivers. From reading traffic signs to communicating with law enforcement and shippers, ensuring that drivers can effectively understand and use English or French is essential for maintaining safety on Canada’s highways.
Current Language Standards for Truck Drivers
Canada does not have a national language proficiency requirement for commercial drivers, but licensing exams and work permit requirements vary by province. Some key benchmarks include:
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB): Many immigration programs require commercial drivers to meet a minimum CLB 4 or 5, ensuring basic communication skills.
Multilingual Licensing Exams: Some provinces offer knowledge tests in multiple languages, allowing non-English/French speakers to obtain a commercial license.
Provincial Differences: Quebec mandates French proficiency, while provinces like Ontario and British Columbia allow exams in several languages but still emphasize English road signs and communication.
The Argument for Standardizing Language Requirements
Advocates for stricter language rules argue that all commercial driver knowledge tests should be in English or French to verify proficiency before drivers operate on public roads. Benefits of this approach include:
Improved Road Safety: Drivers must read signs, understand warnings, and follow complex regulations.
Clear Communication: In case of breakdowns, accidents, or law enforcement interactions, language barriers can slow response times and create risks.
Industry Standards Alignment: Many Canadian trucking employers already require English proficiency for hiring, so enforcing this nationally would create consistency.
Ensuring Secure Language Testing
To implement standardized CLB 6 proficiency testing and prevent cheating, Canada could adopt security measures used in other industries:
Biometric Verification: Require facial recognition or fingerprint scanning to confirm the test-taker’s identity.
AI-Powered Proctoring: Use automated monitoring systems to detect suspicious behavior during online testing.
Randomized Question Banks: Rotate large pools of test questions to prevent memorization and answer sharing.
Secure Testing Centers: Conduct exams at designated locations with trained proctors overseeing candidates.
Multi-Step Authentication: Ensure test-takers verify their identity using government-issued IDs before accessing exams.
A Call to Action: Strengthening Language Standards for Truck Drivers
As Canada continues to refine road safety and commercial driver training, it’s time to prioritize standardized language proficiency. A minimum CLB 6 benchmark and secure testing methods could enhance safety, ensuring all commercial drivers can effectively communicate, read road signs, and follow industry regulations.
Would you support a national CLB 6 language requirement for truck drivers? Let’s start the conversation and advocate for safer roadways.
For the past 20 years, Brian Patterson has been a steadfast advocate for road safety in Ontario. His dedication to reducing preventable deaths, injuries, and destruction on our roads through public education and safety awareness has made a significant impact. Brian’s strong advocacy with various governments and leaders has led to positive changes that benefit all Ontarians.
Many of us know Brian from his appearances on news, radio, and safety commercials. Who can forget Elmer the Safety Elephant, beloved by children? Today, the Ontario Safety League is recognized as one of North America’s leading traffic safety organizations, providing the general public with safety information and programs. The Ontario Safety League is a registered not-for-profit charity. Learn more about them at ontariosafetyleague.com
Last night, we had the honor of attending Brian’s retirement celebration. It was an amazing evening of sharing memories of a remarkable man and his many contributions to society. Brian, we will miss your strong voice. Over the years, his family so selflessly shared more of his time with his work and not them. Behind every successful man is an incredible woman. Lesley, thank you! Happy retirement, Brian, and good luck with that honey-do list.
Truck drivers are not unique to working alone. However, in most industries work alone in the same environment. Drivers work alone in multiple environments and face tough challenges keeping themselves safe. There are several areas of risk, including driving. For now, I will focus on when the truck is stopped. Over the road Safety starts with a good pre-trip. This is not news to any professional truck driver. However, breaking down increases your exposure to the unknown. It’s important to ensure your vehicle is in top shape to keep you rolling.
Should you find yourself on the side of the road, here are a few Safety Tips. Keep your Side boxes locked. Don’t leave the side door release latch accessible. If you are approached by a person, who you did not call for help, do not exit the vehicle. Lock your doors. For Back up, turn your phone on to record the conversation. If the vehicle stops ahead, take a photo of the person, vehicle and license plate. Close your bunk curtains as they approach. This will provide the illusion there is another person with you. Do not disclose what is wrong with the vehicle or any load information. Tell them help is arriving imminently. Carry a basic tool kit, waterproof flashlight Carry two days of food and water Keep a travel toilet in the truck for places where you feel unsafe to leave the truck. Keep your curtains closed to give the illusion of a co-driver Keep your cell phone fully charged and within reach in the bunk. Never walk between trailers. Take the long way around. Carry flip flops, always wear them in the showers If you are concerned about security while sleeping, tie the driver and passenger door together with a ratchet strap.
In the Yard – Truck Stops, Rest Areas, Customers First and foremost, be aware of your surroundings. That may sound simple, but for a truck driver, it’s not. There are a lot of blind spots where risks can lurk. Here are a few questions to help evaluate your risk: What are my surroundings? Is the yard secured, or is there a guard? Is the ground level? Is there a tripping risk? Are there people in the yard? Are they employees? Know your work alone policy. Send a note to dispatch when you arrive at the facility. And when you leave. Call the customer ahead of time, ask if it is safe to park onsite. Is there security, driver facilities?
What can Companies do to keep their drivers safe? Well-lit yards. Provide facilities that lock – ie bathroom, showers Work alone policy. Use a check in AP or company communication device. Have a road buddy to keep in touch with – check in regularly. Keep notes on customer facilities. Rate their driver safety for reference. Use an Emergency response phone APP for drivers. Provide PPE for the job.
Deborah Gee
Deborah Gee is a CITT (CCLP) and RPR certified professional. Experienced class 1 driver with LTL, FTL and Heavy Haul. Deborah is currently a regional recruiter for Trimac Transportation in Calgary, Alberta. Deborah has been involved with WTFC since it’s inception and is on the board of directors. You can reach her at dgee@trimac.com
Position Summary… This position is responsible for testing all applicants on their driving skills through a road test to ensure they have the skillset to operate our assets. They are also responsible for training all commercial vehicle drivers who operate Fleet equipment and necessary follow up and retraining. The incumbent must have a thorough understanding of Federal, Provincial and local safety laws to ensure the company complies with all current safety regulations.
What you’ll do…
Assist Safety and Compliance departments in educating drivers to current S.O.P.
Complete full cycle training from driver selection, regular in cab follow ups and retraining.
Facilitate in class training session ensuring our drivers are informed of all required training modules but also update on changing industry requirements.
Store / vendor site inspections/ assessments for Stores / Vendors and D.C yards to assist in problem solving for daily fleet operations long term and short term
Maintains employment related programs and procedures, including health &safety and housekeeping programs, in order to ensure compliance with the relevant legislation and company policy.
Champion a safety culture through regular driver communications and responsible for creating solid relationships with our driver base so they feel comfortable asking for support.
Responsible for training drivers on route specific lanes to ensure they have the necessary skills to complete the job safely (An example would be training drivers to deliver on harsh climates or through the mountains).
Accountable for completing the necessary training records to be compliant.
Aider l’équipe de santé et de sécurité et l’équipe de conformité à former les chauffeurs sur les procédures normales d’exploitation en vigueur.
Assurer le déroulement du cycle complet de formation, notamment la sélection des chauffeurs, les évaluations de suivi dans la cabine et la reprise de la formation.
Animer les séances de formation en classe visant à renseigner nos chauffeurs sur tous les modules de formation requis et à les tenir au fait des changements apportés aux exigences relatives au secteur de l’industrie.
Effectuer des inspections et des évaluations des succursales et des emplacements des fournisseurs et des cours des centres de distribution en vue de contribuer à la résolution des problèmes relatifs à l’exploitation quotidienne de la flotte à court et à long terme.
Tenir à jour les programmes et les marches à suivre liés à l’emploi, dont les programmes de santé et sécurité, d’entretien et culturels afin d’assurer le respect des lois et des directives de l’entreprise.
Promouvoir la culture de sécurité au moyen de communications périodiques avec les chauffeurs et veiller à établir des relations de travail solides avec nos chauffeurs de façon à ce qu’ils se sentent à l’aise de demander de l’assistance.
Donner la formation des chauffeurs sur des voies précises pour s’assurer qu’ils possèdent les aptitudes nécessaires pour effectuer le travail de façon sécuritaire (par exemple, vérifier l’aptitude des chauffeurs à conduire dans des conditions météorologiques difficiles ou dans des régions montagneuses).
Remplir les dossiers de formation requis de façon conforme.
Minimum Qualifications…
Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications. __
