Unexpected is most definitely the word many would choose to describe the year 2025. In the past 12 months, Canadians have witnessed profound changes which were neither anticipated nor even on our radar last January. The number of road crashes has increased. Both speed limits and speed enforcement have become incredibly contentious issues despite clear evidence of effectiveness. Most recently, the prevalence of impaired driving and its role in fatalities have also increased. This is in sharp contrast to the generally steady gains reducing road crashes achieved over the past two decades. Based on the knowledge accrued from research, it would be entirely reasonable to anticipate continued declines. Yet, looking more broadly, the world has also changed substantially with respect to a wide range of social issues, such as the residual effects of the pandemic and the demand for mobility options.
The main takeaway is that we cannot take progress for granted. We must continue to monitor changing circumstances and adapt our strategies and tools accordingly. This is very clearly the case across sectors and notably in road safety.
For those familiar with our work, you may recognize our refrain, choices matter. We continually echo this message because it represents the opportunity we all have to achieve better outcomes. The choices you make on the road play a substantial role in who gets home safely and who doesn’t. Laws, polices and programs are foundational, but alone, none of them make the magnitude of the difference that’s needed. Big change happens when we choose collectively.
Our commitment for 2026, is to build on the success of our #MySafeRoadHome blog series as well as TIRF’s first webinars. Our focus is on making research digestible, making clear the implications of findings for policies and programs, and underscoring the power of what could be achieved. This puts knowledge in the hands of all road users so they can choose safety every time they use the roads.
Simply because we choose to believe the illusion It can’t happen to me, is a coat of armour, doesn’t make it so. The truth is, knowledge is the only coat of armour that has been stress-tested. And, we wear it everyday in our choices. What will you choose for 2026?
Best wishes on behalf of the Board and staff, we wish you a safe, peaceful and joyful holiday season.
Warmest regards,
Robyn Robertson
TIRF President & CEO
To access the full TIRF Fall 2025 Bulletin Volume 27, Issue 4, visit: https://tirf.ca/bulletins
