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 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.
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.
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 but had not completed the road test to validate his experience.
The coroner said the province’s automobile insurance board should review its guidelines to ensure those granted driver’s licences are capable of handling winter driving conditions.
Bouchard also recommended the auto board conduct outreach to raise awareness about winter driving, noting in her report the weather was particularly hazardous the day of the crash: blowing snow, poor visibility and slick roads.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 9, 2026.
The Canadian Press
