Newcomers should be primed for Quebec winter roads after 2025 fatal crash: coroner

A car makes its way along a snow-covered street following a snowstorm in Montreal, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

MONTREAL — A Quebec coroner is recommending the province’s auto insurance board better prepare newcomers about the dangers of winter driving, following the death of a Mexican man last year.

Coroner Nancy Bouchard’s findings in a report released this week stem from an investigation into the death of a 29-year-old man who was involved in a crash in January 2025 on Highway 116 in Princeville, Que., about 165 kilometres northeast of Montreal.

The man, originally from Mexico, died of his injuries in May 2025.

Immigrants are offered a six-month grace period after they move to Quebec but must have their foreign experience recognized by the auto insurance board to continue driving in the province with a Quebec licence.

The man had a valid driver’s licence from Mexico and was allowed to drive with it in Quebec until May 2024. He had passed his written exam in Quebec in December 2024 but had not completed the road test to validate his experience before the accident on the afternoon of Jan. 27, 2025.

“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,” Bouchard wrote. “This situation seems concerning to me, as it could have not only prevented his death, but would also have helped prevent future deaths.”

She noted in her report the weather was particularly hazardous the day of the crash: blowing snow, poor visibility and slick roads. Witnesses to the event noted the winds were strong, but despite this, vehicles were travelling at the 90 km/h speed limit.

Bouchard wrote that the board, the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, does provide new residents with many resources, including a section on its website as well as outreach through presentations through employers, French-language classes or community organizations.

The coroner said the province’s automobile insurance board should also review its guidelines to ensure those newcomers are well versed on the hazards of winter driving.

Simon-Pierre Poulin, a spokesperson for the board, said they are reviewing the coroner’s report before commenting further, but he added that any road death is one too many for the organization.

As of June 2025, new rules came into effect that would require any foreign driver who doesn’t pass their practical exam to drive with a learner’s permit until they do. A minimum of four weeks must pass before the test can be retaken.

The learner’s permit requires them to be accompanied by someone who has a valid licence and comes with other conditions.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 9, 2026.

Sidhartha Banerjee, The Canadian Press