Toronto, Ontario -- A Quebec coroner is urging the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec to expand winter driving education for new residents following a fatal collision in Princeville.
Coroner Nancy Bouchard released a report based on an investigation into a crash that occurred on Jan. 27, 2025, on Highway 116. A 29-year-old man died in May after spending several months in hospital. He was driving with a valid Mexican licence and had passed Quebec’s written driving exam in December 2024, but had not completed the road test required to fully convert his licence at the time of the crash.
In the report, Bouchard wrote: “The accident occurred when he should have had his driving experience acquired outside Quebec recognized in order to bring his skills up to standard, which was not the case.” She added that the situation was “concerning” and said proper recognition and preparation “could have not only prevented his death, but would also have helped prevent future deaths.”
The report also details the weather conditions on the day of the collision. Bouchard noted there was blowing snow, reduced visibility and slippery pavement. Witnesses told investigators that strong winds were present and that vehicles were traveling at the posted 90 km/h speed limit despite the hazardous conditions.
Bouchard acknowledged the auto board already provides information for newcomers through its website and outreach via employers, French-language classes and community organizations. However, she recommended the SAAQ review its approach to ensure new residents are better informed about the specific risks of winter driving in Quebec.
She also called on the SAAQ to revisit how it evaluates and recognizes foreign driving experience, saying clearer processes and stronger preparation could reduce the risk of similar collisions.
The SAAQ said it is reviewing the coroner’s recommendations before responding publicly. As of June 2025, new provincial rules require foreign drivers who have not passed Quebec’s practical driving test to hold a learner’s permit and be accompanied by a qualified driver until the test is successfully completed.
A Quebec coroner is urging the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec to strengthen how foreign driving experience is recognized and to expand winter driving education for new residents following a fatal collision in Princeville.
Nancy Bouchard, a coroner with Quebec’s Bureau du coroner, released a report based on an investigation into a crash that occurred on Jan. 27, 2025, on Highway 116. A 29-year-old man died in May after spending several months in hospital. He was driving with a valid Mexican licence and had passed Quebec’s written driving exam in December 2024, but had not completed the road test required to fully convert his licence at the time of the crash.
In the report, Bouchard wrote: “The accident occurred when he should have had his driving experience acquired outside Quebec recognised in order to bring his skills up to standard, which was not the case.” She added that the situation was “concerning” and said proper recognition and preparation “could have not only prevented his death, but would also have helped prevent future deaths.”
The report also details the weather conditions on the day of the collision. Bouchard noted there was blowing snow, reduced visibility and slippery pavement. Witnesses told investigators that strong winds were present and that vehicles were travelling at the posted 90 km/h speed limit despite the hazardous conditions.
Bouchard acknowledged the auto board already provides information for newcomers through its website and outreach via employers, French-language classes and community organizations. However, she recommended the SAAQ review its approach to ensure new residents are better informed about the specific risks of winter driving in Quebec.
She also called on the SAAQ to revisit how it evaluates and recognizes foreign driving experience, saying clearer processes and stronger preparation could reduce the risk of similar collisions.
The SAAQ said it is reviewing the coroner’s recommendations before responding publicly. As of June 2025, new provincial rules require foreign drivers who have not passed Quebec’s practical driving test to hold a learner’s permit and be accompanied by a qualified driver until the test is successfully completed.
