Bill Van Beers is on high alert as he observes drivers speeding past his residence on Adelaide Street in central London, Ontario. His house is among over 50 buildings struck by vehicles in 2025, a figure that safety advocates find alarming.
Angelo DiCicco, the head of the Ontario Safety League, expressed his astonishment at the number of incidents, stating that while he anticipated around five incidents, the actual count of 50 was significantly higher. Data obtained from London police through a freedom-of-information request revealed that 47 vehicles collided with buildings in both 2023 and 2024. By October 2025, the number had already reached 50, translating to an average of five cars crashing into buildings monthly in London.
DiCicco highlighted that these crashes often stem from simple errors that lead to preventable accidents, a situation that his non-profit organization aims to address through safety training for communities and professional drivers to reduce avoidable fatalities and injuries in the province.
A recent crash outside Van Beers’s home resulted in the destruction of the front porch. The driver involved faced charges related to impaired driving and taking a motor vehicle without consent, as confirmed by the police. Van Beers, still reeling from the incident, continues to monitor drivers closely while arranging for the necessary repairs, noting the prevalent issues of speeding and distracted driving in the area.
According to London police Acting Sgt. Greg Pearson, various factors contribute to drivers crashing into buildings, including impaired driving, navigation errors, and pedal confusion. Pearson emphasized the goal of reducing such incidents to zero, acknowledging the challenges in achieving this objective. While instances of pedal confusion may lead to minor injuries for the driver due to lower speeds, there remains a significant risk to pedestrians and building occupants.
DiCicco pointed out that distractions rank as the primary cause of incidents, emphasizing the importance of regular self-assessment and reevaluation of driving abilities to enhance safety. He recommended retesting professional drivers every three to five years and suggested that all drivers reassess their skills every decade.
In a separate region, Waterloo Regional Police Service reported 63 incidents of vehicles crashing into buildings in 2024, with the number increasing to 67 in 2025, underscoring the need for continued road safety measures and public awareness campaigns.
