For over a hundred years, CAA has been helping Canadians stay mobile, safe and protected. The CAA Club Group is Canada’s largest automotive association comprised of two clubs, CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba, providing roadside assistance, travel, insurance service and member savings for over 2.3 million members. It also includes the CAA Insurance Company (a national property and casualty insurance company), the Orion Travel Insurance company and Echelon Insurance Company (a specialty insurer).


YouTube

CAA Media Information Page

CAA Club Group

CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) and Mirvish Productions are proud to announce a new marketing partnership that brings together one of Canada’s largest membership associations and the country’s leading theatrical organization.      

The multi-faceted partnership puts the CAA brand and its members front and centre within the Mirvish Theatre network. It includes the naming rights of the new CAA Theatre (formerly the Panasonic Theatre), home of the Off-Mirvish series; branded lounges at the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre and the Princess of Wales Theatre; and benefits for CAA members.      

The newly named CAA Theatre is located at 651 Yonge Street south of Bloor Street and has a capacity of 700 seats. This is the flagship venue for exciting new theatrical works, from popular entertainment to the latest cutting-edge plays including the Off-Mirvish series.

CAA Theatre (former the Panasonic Theatre)

Canadian Automobile Association Announcement: 

CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) in partnership with Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) unveiled a new outdoor classroom for the students of Tecumseh Public School.

CAA - June 20/2017

CAA reveals provincial and regional lists for 2017
Hamilton’s Burlington Street East voted Ontario’s Worst Road

CAA - June 1/2017

Canadian Automobile Association 
Voting now open for CAA Worst Roads in Ontario
Annual campaign highlights needed roadway investments across Ontario

CAA Worst Roads - April 10/2017

Canadian Automobile Association - Aug 22, 2018

CAA Launches Towing Bill of Rights to help consumers.
New consumer protection campaign includes distribution to 10,000 Ontario motorists.

CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) officially unveiled a Towing Bill of Rights for consumers this morning, as part of a series of initiatives for Tow Safety Week.

CAA Launches Towing Bill of Rights to Help Consumers

media-release-more-ontario-drivers-admit-to-getting-behind-the-wheel-after-consuming-cannabis

MEDIA RELEASE: More Ontario drivers admit to getting behind the wheel after consuming cannabis

Community Relations Consultant

Speeding

Impaired Driving

Road User Safety

Pedestrian Safety

Road Safety

Community Relations

Cycling Safety

Vulnerable Road Users

Distracted Driving

Cannabis and Road Safety

  A recent survey conducted by CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) found that substance use, specifically cannabis, is on the rise for Ontarians. According to the study, over half (53 per cent) of Ontario drivers have ever tried cannabis, a 14 per cent increase from last year.  

The issue here is that as more Ontarians are using cannabis, the number of impaired motorists is also on the rise. The survey found that 19 per cent of Ontario drivers admit to ever consuming cannabis and driving a vehicle, a five per cent increase from last year.  

“This data shows us that the popularity of cannabis has subsequently resulted in more impaired driving,” says Michael Stewart, Community Relations Consultant for CAA SCO, “cannabis can be safely consumed recreationally, but never when behind the wheel.” 

Despite the increase in cannabis-impaired driving, those driving impaired are less confident in their ability to drive than in years prior. The survey found that:  

52 per cent of recent cannabis-impaired drivers admitted to driving within three hours of consumption.   31 per cent of drivers reported feeling high while driving.   76 per cent expressed confidence in their ability to drive – ten per cent less compared to last year.   In addition, 63 per cent were worried about being caught.   When drivers were asked if they agree or disagree – most continue to agree that cannabis-impaired driving is dangerous but not as bad as driving while alcohol-impaired.   According to the study, 91 per cent of Ontario drivers agree that driving under the influence of cannabis is a serious risk to road safety. This concern is even higher amongst older drivers. 

However, despite the research regarding the effects of cannabis on driving, Ontario drivers continue to generally perceive cannabis as less dangerous (90 per cent) than alcohol (95 per cent) or illegal narcotics and opioids (93 per cent) when it comes to impaired driving. 

“There is often a misconception on the effects cannabis can have on a driver,” says Stewart, “however, it has been proven that driving impaired can greatly impact a driver’s reaction time, coordination and decision-making, just the same as it does when consuming alcohol.”  

The survey found that Ontarians who decided to drive after consuming cannabis did so because they believed they did not consume a significant amount of cannabis (32 per cent), had no alternative but to drive home (32 per cent), or thought the drive would be short anyway (28 per cent). 

The normalization of cannabis use, combined with increased access to retail stores, may be influencing the rise in consumption and cannabis-impaired driving cases.   The data shows that 74 per cent of Ontario drivers have at least one cannabis store in their neighbourhood – a 14 per cent increase from 2023 – with 35 per cent of Ontarians reporting four or more stores in their neighbourhood, up six per cent from last year. 

As the holiday season approaches, CAA SCO is asking those who do consume cannabis, alcohol or other drugs to plan ahead by making alternate arrangements, such as a designated driver or a rideshare service, to get home safely.  

 
“While we’re all aware that alcohol-impaired driving can be deadly, we should also take the same attitude towards cannabis-impaired driving,” says Stewart, “CAA SCO wants to emphasize the importance of using cannabis responsibly, and that means never using it when driving.” 
 

The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from July 5 to July 18, 2024, with 1,664 Ontario drivers aged 19 and older. Based on the sample size of n=1,664 and with a confidence level of 95%, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.)    

media-release-avoid-the-winter-wallop-caa-toronto-police-service-and-opp-team-up-with-winter-weather-readiness-tips

MEDIA RELEASE: Avoid the Winter Wallop: CAA, Toronto Police Service and OPP team up with winter weather readiness tips.

Manager, External Communications

Road Trips

Travel and Tourism

Winter Driving

Strategic Communications

  Almost one month before the official start of winter and CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO), Toronto Police Service (TPS) and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are joining forces to keep drivers safe before winter weather blows in with full force.  
                                                                                                                                                                        

The three organizations are teaming up to help inform Ontario drivers that now is the time to install winter tires, check their car batteries, and stock their cars with emergency car kits that include essentials for the winter months.

“Ontario winters can be unpredictable, and snowstorms can hit suddenly. It’s always best to prepare ahead of time in case driving conditions become hazardous,” says Nadia Matos, manager of external communications, CAA SCO. “There’s no time like the present to ensure your safety before getting on the road.”

Driving behaviour is the most important factor in ensuring safe driving operations in winter weather. 

"Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” says Sergeant Murray Campbell, Toronto Police Service. “With fewer daylight hours and reduced visibility, we are urging everyone to remain vigilant, be aware of other road users, drive according to the weather conditions, ensure vehicle lights are on, and plan ahead to allow for extra travel time.”

The organizations continue to reinforce last year’s amendments to the Highway Traffic Act, including the illegal passing of snowplows working in echelon on Ontario highways.  

“Not only is passing these plows illegal, but it is also incredibly dangerous,” says Sergeant Ted Dongelmans, Ontario Provincial Police. “Offenders may face a fine ranging from $150 to $1,000 if found passing a snowplow while they are clearing the roads.”

Before heading out on the road this winter, motorists can download and use the 511 app to check the weather and road conditions before they leave home. The 511 app can be found at 511on.ca or in the app store on their mobile devices.

For a safer trip this Winter, CAA, TPS and OPP are sharing the following motorist tips: •	Test your car battery. If necessary, replace it before it fails. CAA SCO will test Members’ batteries free of cost during a service call. 
•	Pack a fully stocked emergency car kit. The kit should include a flashlight, extra batteries, warning devices (e.g., flares, reflective vests/strips), a first aid kit, blankets, jumper cables, non-perishable food and water, and a phone charger. Be sure to always keep an ice scraper, small shovel, and snow brush handy in your car.
•	Service your vehicle. Have your brakes checked, oil changed and top up your windshield washer fluid and any other fluids that are getting low. 
•	Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. Cold weather causes condensation in the system, which can lead to fuel-line freeze-up and prevent a car from starting.
•	Check your lighting system. Ensuring you have full lighting is very important in the winter months. Check your headlights and signal lights to ensure they work correctly. 



media-release-caa-honours-waterloo-regional-police-service-and-school-safety-patrol-program-partner-with-achievement-award

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA honours Waterloo Regional Police Service and School Safety Patrol program partner with Achievement Award

Every year, CAA SCO recognizes community partners across Ontario with the CAA School Safety Patrol Program Achievement Award

  [ Deputy Chief Jen Davis, Police Chief Mark Crowell, Catherine Conoboy WRPS SSP Program Coordinator, Deputy Chief Eugene Fenton, Leslie Rocha, CAA SCO ]  CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO)  is proudly awarding Catherine Conoboy, a civilian professional with the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS), with the CAA School Safety Patrol® (SSP) Program Achievement Award for her outstanding contribution and dedication to the program.

 
As the Corporate Events Coordinator for WRPS, Conoboy has trained CAA School Safety Patrollers for 23 years, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to student safety since 2001.  

As part of her passion for educating the youth in her community, Conoboy organizes an annual mass training event every September, training between 1,000 to 1,200 student Patrollers at each event.

“Conoboy’s commitment to the CAA School Safety Patrol program over the past two decades has been exceptional. Her leadership, collaboration with key partners, and dedication to student safety are the cornerstones to this program’s success,” says Leslie Rocha, community program consultant at CAA SCO, “Whether organizing appreciation events or securing support from local groups or governments, her passion for student safety and community engagement shines through.” 

In Waterloo Region, during the 2024/2025 school year, 90 schools registered for the program – 46 more schools than in the school year prior. Together with the Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region, Conoboy has encouraged and promoted schools to participate in SSP training. 

“We are extremely proud to see Catherine being honoured with an award that recognizes her exemplary work and commitment to public safety,” said Cherri Greeno, Director of Corporate Affairs for the Waterloo Regional Police Service. “Through this program, Catherine has shown her dedication and passion to building community relationships while improving the health and safety of thousands of youth within Waterloo Region.”

Every year, CAA SCO recognizes community partners across Ontario with the CAA School Safety Patrol Program Achievement Award, given to a road safety advocate who embodies their commitment to the program’s mission of keeping school zones safe.

“CAA always advocates for the safety of our communities and the children and pedestrians that reside within them,” says Rocha. “We continue to work alongside our community and police partners to empower elementary school students to help keep themselves safe when travelling to and from school.”

The CAA School Safety Patrol program was developed in 1929 to protect, educate, and empower elementary school children on safe road-crossing practices. With more than 90 years of proven experience in teaching road safety and children’s safety in school zones, the program gives Patrollers an acute awareness of road safety and gives them the tools to help them stay safe as they travel to and from school.   

To help make the program a success, Conoboy also works closely with the local bussing consortium, Waterloo Regional Police, Fire Services, and Paramedics to ensure Patrollers are trained to be safety advocates in their communities. 

“Year after year, Conoboy’s ability to foster these critical relationships ensures the SSP program runs smoothly and effectively,” says Rocha.  

Waterloo Regional Police Service has participated in the SSP program for over 30 years.

Since its start, the CAA School Safety Patrol program has helped keep students safe in school zones. Every year, approximately 800 schools in Ontario participate in the CAA SSP program, which CAA SCO delivers with local partners.  

For more information, visit www.caaschoolsafetypatrol.com



media-release-backtoschool-alert-caa-urges-drivers-to-stay-vigilant-in-school-zones-as-student-traffic-increases

MEDIA RELEASE: Back-to-School Alert: CAA Urges Drivers to Stay Vigilant in School Zones as Student Traffic Increases

Manager, Community Relations

Charity

Marketing

Community Affairs

Corporate Social Responsbility

School Zone Safety

CAA School Safety Patrol® Program

  As the new school year kicks off, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is reminding motorists to remain attentive when driving through school zones as more children are present in these areas. A recent survey conducted by CAA SCO found that 60 per cent of parents surveyed are concerned about the driving behaviours witnessed in their child’s school zone and consider their child’s school zone unsafe – a five per cent increase from last year.

“It is no surprise that parents are concerned for the safety of their children; they have the right to get to and from school safely,” says Tracy Marshall, Manager, Community Relations for CAA SCO, “speeding, double parking and stopping in school bus zones are all commonly reported unsafe driving behaviours parents see in their child’s school zones.”

As a result, a majority of parents (85 per cent) support reducing speed limits in school zones, with over 77 per cent of these parents agreeing that 30km/h or less is the most appropriate speed limit. 
Of those surveyed, 68 per cent of parents strongly support the use of Automatic Speed Enforcement (ASE) in school zones, and 79 per cent believe its presence would deter speeding around schools. Additionally, 3 in 4 (73 per cent) consider that ASE should remain permanent in school zones.

“Automated Speed Enforcement, along with the presence of police officers and speed bumps, continue to be identified as the primary measures to deter speeding in these zones,” adds Marshall, “through education, we hope to help motorists to make more responsible decisions behind the wheel to protect themselves and those around them.”

Tips for responsible driving behaviours in school zone areas: •	Help reduce traffic with active school travel: Encourage your kids to walk or wheel to school to ease traffic congestion. If your school is a further distance, CAA SCO encourages parents and guardians to park a block away and walk to school to reduce traffic and make school zones safer.
•	Put away distractions: Pedestrian safety begins with drivers. It’s important to put away distractions such as phones and be extra attentive in school zones, whether a parent is driving, or a child is walking to school.
•	Slow down: Know and respect the speed limit in your neighbourhood’s school zones. Give yourself plenty of time to drop off your kids at school to avoid rushing.
•	Choose a safe spot to drop off and pick up your children from school: Follow your school’s rules and avoid double parking or stopping on crosswalks, dropping off or picking up your kids on the opposite side of the street, and stopping in moving traffic as kids rush out. Instead, use the designated drop-off areas or consider a spot a bit farther away from school that is easily accessible and safe.
• Make eye contact with pedestrians: With the excitement of going back to school, anticipate that children may not easily see or hear your moving vehicle, so ensure to make eye contact with pedestrians crossing the road.
•	Stop for school buses: Never pass a stopped school bus with an activated stop arm and flashing red lights as children get on and off the bus. Passing a school bus as it loads and unloads children – not only is this dangerous, but it’s also illegal.
• Watch for CAA School Safety Patrollers: When travelling to and from school, watch for CAA School Safety Patrollers in their lime green safety vests, as they play an important role in ensuring the roadway is safe before kids cross on their own.

CAA supports safety in school zones through the CAA School Safety Patrol® program, developed to protect and educate elementary school children on safe road-crossing practices. CAA’s Ontario Road Safety Resource is a toolkit with valuable lesson plans for teachers to help educate students about road safety.

To learn more, please visit www.caasco.com/schoolzone. The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights in May 2024, with 1,520 Ontario parents/guardians with children attending school from kindergarten to grade 8. Based on the sample size of n=1,520 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.)   

media-release-a-new-caa-survey-reveals-more-than-half-of-ontario-motorists-engage-in-dangerous-driving-behaviours

MEDIA RELEASE: A new CAA survey reveals more than half of Ontario motorists engage in dangerous driving behaviours

  A recent study on dangerous driving conducted by CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) revealed that more than half of Ontario motorists, 55 per cent, admit to engaging in risky and unsafe driving behaviours in the past year. According to the survey, this number increases to 61 per cent amongst young drivers aged 18 to 34.

“Dangerous driving behaviours, such as speeding, distracted driving, and aggressive driving, continue to pose significant risks on our roads,” says Michael Stewart, community relations consultant for CAA SCO. “These actions not only endanger the lives of the drivers themselves but also put all road users at risk. We must prioritize road safety by promoting responsible driving habits."

 
Of those surveyed, the top five dangerous driving behaviours that motorists engaged in are, 
1.	Speeding (41 per cent)
2.	Distracted driving (20 per cent)
3.	Unsafe lane changes (9 per cent)
4.	Aggressive driving (8 per cent)
5.	Running red lights (7 per cent)

In contrast, those surveyed say they frequently witnessed others driving dangerously far more often. 
1.	Speeding (84 per cent)
2.	Unsafe lane changes (76 per cent)
3.	Aggressive driving (76 per cent)
4.	Distracted driving (73 per cent)
5.	Running red lights (56 per cent)

“The data tells us that it is far more prevalent for people to see others driving dangerously rather than admitting that they themselves are carrying out the same behaviour,” adds Stewart.

The survey found that speeding continues to be the leading concern for Ontario motorists, especially on roads with higher speed limits.

 
According to the study, 86 per cent of motorists feel safe on residential streets, compared to only 68 per cent on posted 110-kilometre-per-hour highways.

“Ontarians frequently witness dangerous driving behaviours, especially on highways,” says Stewart, “the important thing to remember is that the risk of collision can increase when travelling at higher speeds.”

Four out of 10 Ontario drivers will actively avoid roads with ASE   Ontario drivers favour stricter fines and penalties to combat the increasing amount of dangerous driving across the province. This year alone, 35 per cent of Ontarians indicated that penalties and fines for speeding and stunt driving have influenced their driving behaviour – up seven per cent from last year.

The study also found that more than three-quarters of Ontario drivers (78 per cent) believe that automated speed enforcement (ASE) can help deter drivers from speeding, as 70 per cent of Ontario drivers admit that they will slow down in the presence of an ASE camera.

 
“It is no surprise that Ontario motorists are in favour of stricter penalties as speeding and dangerous driving continue to be an issue,” says Stewart, “what is surprising, however, is that despite the support for ASE, four out of 10 Ontario drivers will actively avoid roads where an ASE is present, an increase from last year.”

According to the survey, Ontarians support the presence of ASE on all types of streets, especially near schools (84 per cent) and community centres (81 per cent). A total of 17 per cent of Ontario drivers, equivalent to more than 1.5 million individuals, have received a ticket from an ASE camera in the past.

“CAA SCO continues to advocate for road safety for all road users,” says Stewart. “Our hope is that through education and awareness of the repercussions, we can begin to see a steady decrease in dangerous driving across all roads.”

For more information, please visit www.caasco.com/speeding

The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from April 1 to April 16, 2024, with 1,509 Ontario drivers aged 18 and older. Based on the sample size of n=1,509 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.)  

media-release-a-new-caa-study-reveals-over-half-of-ontario-drivers-have-witnessed-a-closecall-collision-or-traffic-violation-caused-by-distracted-driving

MEDIA RELEASE: A new CAA study reveals over half of Ontario drivers have witnessed a close-call collision or traffic violation caused by distracted driving

 A new study conducted by CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) shows that over half of Ontario drivers (66 per cent) have witnessed a close-call collision or traffic violation caused by distracted driving.

For many Ontarians, those close calls are fueling safety concerns. Ninety-one per cent of drivers in the province feel somewhat or very concerned about distracted driving, a number that remains unchanged from 2023.

“Distracted driving continues to be a leading factor in collisions on highways and city roads,” says Michael Stewart, community relations consultant for CAA SCO. “We continue to raise awareness of the risks associated with using your mobile device or in-vehicle technology while driving.”

Distracted driving has a direct impact on road safety Ontario’s ban on using hand-held devices while driving has been in effect since October 2009. Despite this ban, distracted driving is still a common sight on our roads.  The survey found that 63 per cent of Ontario Drivers have been behind a driver in another vehicle who missed a traffic light change because that driver was distracted.

"It takes only a split second of inattention to cause a close call or even a tragic collision. Staying focused behind the wheel is not just a personal responsibility but a crucial act of safety for everyone on the road,” adds Stewart.

The survey also found that 42 per cent of Ontario drivers stated that they had met the criteria for being distracted drivers in the past, with two per cent admitting to having been charged.

While there can be many distractions on the road, the top five most concerning distractions for those surveyed are: 
1.	Holding a mobile device
2.	Watching TV 
3.	Making a video call
4.	Grooming
5.	Typing a destination into a GPS or navigation app

“Safe driving requires focus and concentration. It is always best to set up your navigation system and send your text messages before driving,” says Stewart, “Using this technology while driving is simply not worth the risk of potential charges and the danger it poses to both the driver and others on the road.”

Ontarians believe fines and penalties remain the most effective methods to combat distracted driving   Ontario drivers can face a minimum fine of $615 up to $1,000, three demerit points and a three-day licence suspension for their first conviction of distracted driving.

 According to survey data, 60 per cent of drivers support increasing fines and penalties for distracted driving convictions – however, only 32 per cent were aware of all the penalties that come with your first conviction.

“As we continue to see a trend in these behaviours behind the wheel, we understand the public’s concern and desire for stronger repercussions,” says Stewart. “CAA SCO will continue to advocate for road safety through education and community member insights to help us create safer roads for all.”

For more information, please visit www.caasco.com/distracted 

  
DIG Insights conducted the survey from January 22 to February 5, 2024, as a follow-up to research to previous CAA reports. The online survey was conducted with  1,513 Ontario drivers aged 18 and older. Based on the sample size of n=1,513 and with a confidence level of 95%, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.)   

Filters

Keyword

Featured Experts

Year