Bill Van Beers closely monitors the high-speed traffic passing by his residence on Adelaide Street in central London, Ontario, due to a concerning trend of vehicles colliding with buildings. Safety advocates have expressed shock over the alarming number of incidents, with at least 50 buildings being struck by vehicles in 2025 alone.
Angelo DiCicco, the head of the Ontario Safety League, described the figure as “shocking,” noting that the frequency far exceeded expectations. Data obtained from London police through a freedom-of-information request revealed that in both 2023 and 2024, 47 vehicles crashed into buildings each year. By October 2025, this number had already reached 50, translating to an average of five such incidents occurring monthly in London.
DiCicco attributed many of these crashes to simple errors, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent avoidable deaths and injuries. Following a recent incident outside Van Beers’s home where a driver under the influence caused significant damage, he remains vigilant amidst ongoing repairs.
London police Acting Sgt. Greg Pearson highlighted various factors contributing to these collisions, including impaired driving, navigation errors, and pedal confusion. While efforts are aimed at reducing such incidents, challenges persist in achieving zero crashes into buildings. Pedal confusion cases, although typically resulting in lower-speed impacts, pose risks to pedestrians and building occupants.
DiCicco emphasized the importance of addressing distractions, citing it as a primary cause of accidents. He recommended regular retesting for professional drivers and self-assessment for all motorists to ensure continued competency behind the wheel. The need for greater awareness and improved driving skills remains crucial in mitigating these incidents.
In a similar trend, Waterloo Region reported an increase in vehicles crashing into buildings, with 67 such incidents recorded in 2025 compared to 63 in 2024. The rise in these collisions underscores the need for ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and driver awareness.