Ewald Friesen

Rising gas prices are having a real impact on how Manitobans manage their daily routines and summer plans, according to a new survey from CAA Manitoba. The survey found that about six in ten Manitobans say higher fuel costs are affecting their day-to-day lives, with many cutting back on driving and adjusting spending to make ends meet. “Manitobans are making thoughtful choices to stretch their budgets, whether that’s driving a little less, planning trips more carefully or finding ways to save at the pump,” says Ewald Friesen, manager, government & community relations for CAA Manitoba. Many respondents said they begin to rethink their habits when gas prices reach around $2.10 per litre, a point where costs start to influence decisions about how and when they travel. The most common changes include driving less for everyday needs (35 per cent), cutting spending in other areas (23 per cent), and reducing or eliminating some activities entirely (23 per cent). Summer travel is still a priority, with adjustments Despite higher fuel costs, road trips remain a popular choice this summer, with more than seven in ten Manitobans planning to hit the road. However, nearly six in ten say rising gas prices are likely to influence those plans, prompting many to take fewer trips, travel shorter distances or adjust their budgets. “Travel is still important to Manitobans, especially during the summer months, but people are being more mindful about how they plan those trips,” adds Friesen. Saving at the pump is becoming a priority for Manitobans Manitobans are also actively looking for ways to manage fuel costs. The survey shows that most drivers are taking steps to save money on gas, with many turning to loyalty programs, comparing prices at different stations, or using apps to find the best deal. More than half say they are also considering alternative ways to get around more often, such as walking, cycling, or using transit where possible. Simple tips to stretch your fuel budget: CAA Manitoba encourages drivers to take simple steps to improve fuel efficiency and make the most of every tank, especially during busy summer travel months: Plan routes in advance to avoid backtracking and unnecessary mileage: Plan the most efficient route to your destination and avoid backtracking and unnecessary mileage.   Remove extra weight from your vehicle: Reducing your vehicle’s weight can help improve your fuel efficiency when on trips.     Avoid leaving your rooftop luggage carriers or bike racks on your vehicles when you are not using them: Items on top of the car significantly increase aerodynamic drag, reducing fuel economy.   Control your speed: Fuel consumption starts to increase above 90-105 km/h. For long stretches of road ahead, use cruise control to maintain your speed to save fuel.  Drive conservatively: If you find yourself stuck in long weekend traffic, avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking, which can lower fuel economy by 15 to 30 per cent at highway speeds and 10 to 40 per cent in stop-and-go traffic.  Keep up with regular car maintenance: Underinflated tires increase fuel consumption by up to four per cent. With regular maintenance services, you can help your vehicle run more efficiently. Take advantage of reward programs and tools to find lower prices: CAA members save three cents per litre when they load their membership card in the Shell app or use it at the pump.  “These small actions can add up over time and help make driving more affordable,” says Friesen. CAA Manitoba continues to advocate for drivers by sharing timely information and practical advice to help Manitobans navigate rising costs and stay mobile year-round.

Nearly all Manitoba drivers have witnessed dangerous driving on the roads in the past year, yet many do not believe they contribute to the problem, according to a new survey by CAA Manitoba. The findings show that 98 per cent of Manitoba drivers have observed dangerous driving behaviours, including speeding (83 per cent), distracted driving (75 per cent) and unsafe lane changes (74 per cent). However, 59 per cent admit they have engaged in at least one dangerous driving behaviour themselves, revealing a significant disconnect between what drivers see and how they assess their own actions behind the wheel. Most Drivers See Dangerous Behaviour, Fewer Admit to It “Most drivers can easily identify unsafe behaviour in others, but many don't recognize when they're doing it themselves,” says Ewald Friesen, manager, government and community relations, CAA Manitoba. “Improving road safety starts with honest self-reflection. Every driver has a role to play in making Manitoba roads safer.” Speeding remains the most common dangerous driving behaviour reported by Manitoba drivers. Four in 10 drivers admit to speeding, while more than one-third of those who speed say they regularly travel 10 to 19 km/h above the posted limit. The survey also found that 65 per cent of drivers say they slow down when they realize they are speeding, suggesting awareness can help influence behaviour. Distracted driving continues to be a major concern. According to a separate survey conducted by CAA Manitoba, nearly half of Manitoba drivers say they have been distracted while driving at some point, and 15 per cent report being involved in a collision caused by distracted driving. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of crash linked to distraction. In many cases, those affected were not the distracted drivers themselves, highlighting the broader consequences these behaviours can have on other road users. “Distracted driving is entirely preventable,” said Friesen. “Whether it's checking a notification, adjusting a device, eating, or grooming, by taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds, the consequences can be sudden and life-altering. Staying focused behind the wheel protects not only you, but everyone around you.” Drivers Support Stronger Enforcement and Penalties Manitobans strongly support enforcement measures aimed at improving road safety. The survey found that 88 per cent support current fines and penalties related to speeding, while 64 per cent believe stricter penalties would help discourage speeding. More than one-third of drivers say existing penalties have already influenced how they drive. As Manitobans prepare for the upcoming long weekend, CAA Manitoba is encouraging drivers to stay focused, alert and aware behind the wheel. For more information about road safety advocacy and research, visit caamanitoba.com/advocacy. Speeding and Dangerous Driving Behaviour Survey Methodology: The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from March 10 to March 20, 2026, with 503 Manitoba drivers aged 18 and older. Based on the sample size of n=503 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/3%.) Distracted Driving Survey Methodology: The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from February 3 to February 13, 2026, with 500 Manitoba drivers aged 18 and older. Based on the sample size of n=500 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/3%.)

Provincial Trunk Highway 34 (PTH 34) has been named Manitoba’s worst road for the second year in a row, according to the results of the 2026 CAA Worst Roads campaign. The Pembina Valley highway, located west of Winnipeg, has previously appeared on the provincial top ten list seven times, and this is the second consecutive year it has claimed the top spot. Manitobans who nominated PTH 34 did so because of potholes, poor maintenance, and uneven road surfaces. “The roads on this list reflect what Manitobans experience every day,” says Ewald Friesen, manager of government and community relations for CAA Manitoba. “Manitobans want roads that are safe, reliable and properly maintained, whether they live in Winnipeg or in a rural community. This year, 711 roads across 69 municipalities were nominated for the top spot. The most common concerns cited were potholes, poor maintenance and uneven road surfaces. “This year’s list shows that road issues are not just a Winnipeg problem or a rural problem, they’re a Manitoba problem,” Friesen said. “There is an even split between rural and urban roads on the provincial list.” Many of the roads identified are major commuter, trade and connector routes relied on by families and businesses. As governments focus on inter-provincial trade, congestion in Winnipeg and critical road safety issues, investments in the roads and highways are more important than ever. “When key routes fall into disrepair, it affects more than just convenience,” Friesen said. “Vehicle repair costs go up, fuel efficiency goes down, and delays increase. That adds pressure to already stretched household budgets and affects our economy.” Repeated nominations often signal that communities want long-term solutions, not temporary fixes. Several roads that have appeared on past lists are now under construction, resurfaced or scheduled for rehabilitation. “We’ve seen that sustained public input makes a difference,” Friesen said. “The CAA Worst Roads campaign gives governments a clear snapshot of where funding and attention are wanted most.” CAA Manitoba is urging provincial and municipal governments to continue prioritizing predictable, year-over-year investment in road maintenance and safety. “Stable funding allows governments to plan ahead, address safety concerns earlier and avoid higher costs later,” Friesen said. “It’s about keeping people safe and keeping Manitoba moving.” Top 10 worst roads in Manitoba for 2026 Provincial Trunk Highway 34 — Central Plains/Pembina Valley Provincial Road 307 — Whiteshell Kenaston Boulevard/Route 90 — Winnipeg Saskatchewan Avenue — Winnipeg Richmond Avenue — Brandon Gateway Road — Winnipeg Leila Avenue — Winnipeg 1st Street — Brandon Provincial Road 422 — Pembina Valley St. Mary’s Road — Winnipeg For more information and historical results, please visit: https://www.caamanitoba.com/advocacy/government-relations/worst-roads