Highway 401 (often called “the 401”) connects some of the largest cities in Ontario – from Windsor to Kingston and many other places in between, including London, Mississauga, and Toronto.
Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most dangerous highways in Canada, according to a recent Now Ontario article about the dangers drivers face every day on the 401. The Now Ontario report featured comments from local drivers, including one who called the highway a “deathtrap.”
“It’s scary how unsafe that highway is,” one driver wrote about the 401. “People swerving in and out of traffic, accelerating and braking hard, for absolutely no reason! I was seething at how many close calls I saw on the road today, and that was before the snow even started.”
Comments like these highlight the importance of understanding your legal rights if you’ve been injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence. A skilled Toronto car accident lawyer from our law firm can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Is Ontario’s Highway 401 Dangerous?
The short answer? Yes, in general. But, like many things, location matters a lot. Overall, Ontario Highway 401 (officially known as King’s Highway 401) has a large number of car accidents each year. Car accident fatalities on Ontario highways (which includes the 401) hit a 15-year high in 2023, when 411 people died, according to CBC News.
The 401 is also one of the busiest highways in the world. Certain sections, especially in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), consistently have some of the heaviest traffic in North America.
Roughly 400,000 vehicles travel each day on the 401 in the GTA, according to City News Everywhere and Ontario’s official government website. The busiest section of the 401 is between Renforth Drive and Highway 427, which hosts an average of 450,300 vehicles each day, according to City News.
What Is The Most Dangerous Section Of Ontario’s 401 Highway?
While accidents can happen anywhere on the 401, one of its most dangerous sections is among the nation's most dangerous stretches of highway.
Dangerous Roads states drivers are more likely to be involved in a car accident on Highway 401 between Whites Road in Pickering and Courtice Road in Oshawa than “any other highway location in the province.” That statement is based on accident data compiled by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
In addition, the section of the 401 from London to Windsor in southern Ontario has been nicknamed “Carnage Alley” because it is a site of many deadly and serious car accidents.
Why Do Car Accidents Happen On Highway 401?
Car accidents occur for many reasons on the 401. However, in general, many crashes occur because drivers behave in a reckless or negligent manner. According to the most recent Ontario Road Safety Annual Report, some of the most common causes of collisions in Ontario include:
- Speeding – 23 percent of car accident fatalities in the province occur due to speeding drivers.
- Drunk driving – 17 percent of car accident deaths in Ontario occur due to accidents caused by impaired drivers.
- Distracted driving – 15 percent of fatal car accidents in Ontario occur due to inattentive driving.
Contact a Toronto Lawyer If You Were Injured in a Crash on Highway 401
If you’ve been injured in a crash on Highway 401, you’re not alone—but you don’t have to navigate this difficult journey on your own. Whether it happened on the busy stretch near Toronto or the notorious “Carnage Alley,” the aftermath of a car accident can feel overwhelming. Medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll of the crash can quickly pile up.
At Smitiuch Injury Law, we understand the challenges you face and are here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our Toronto car accident lawyers have a proven track record of securing substantial results for clients, including a $2.4 million recovery in a car accident case.
When you choose us, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re gaining a dedicated team that will handle every detail of your claim from start to finish. We’ll investigate the crash, gather crucial evidence, and build a strong case to stand up to insurance companies who may try to undervalue your claim.
Get the Toronto law firm that gets results. Contact us and schedule a free consultation with a Toronto car accident lawyer who puts your best interests first. Our law firm has three offices conveniently located in Toronto, Brantford, and Simcoe, Ontario.
“Words simply cannot possibly describe how amazing Smitiuch Injury law firm is.” – Daiseon T., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
