Michael Stewart
Community Relations Consultant | CAA South Central Ontario
Thornhill, ON, CANADA
Michael oversees CAA South Central Ontario's traffic safety outreach efforts.
Spotlight
Biography
A road safety and communications professional, Michael’s experience comes from working within the charitable and corporate sector. As a seasoned campaign developer, Michael can deliver complex messages in a clear and concise manner on issues relating to the safety of all road users.
As a member of the Government & Community Relations team at CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO), Michael serves as the subject matter expert on policies and programs relating to road safety and oversees CAA SCO’s traffic safety efforts. More specifically, this includes raising awareness cannabis-impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, vulnerable road user safety, slow down move over, and much more.
Prior to his role at CAA SCO, Michael served as Program Director to a provincial impaired driving charity and was responsible for operations, campaigns, as well as public and government outreach.
Michael brings his dedication and passion for road safety to various projects and partnerships across the province.
Industry Expertise (3)
Safety
Government Relations
Program Development
Areas of Expertise (10)
Speeding
Impaired Driving
Road User Safety
Pedestrian Safety
Road Safety
Community Relations
Cycling Safety
Vulnerable Road Users
Distracted Driving
Cannabis and Road Safety
Education (2)
University of Ottawa: B.A., Communication Studies
Dalhousie University: B.A., English, Political Science and Popular Culture Studies
Media Appearances (10)
More Ontario drivers using cannabis before getting behind the wheel than ever before
CP24 tv
2024-11-28
Cannabis use while driving is on the rise in Ontario, a new survey by CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) has found. Michael Stewart, Community Relations Consultant for CAA SCO discusses the survey findings. It showed that nearly one in five Ontario drivers surveyed (19 per cent) admitted to consuming cannabis in some form and driving a vehicle, up five per cent from last year.
More than half of Ontario drivers admit to disregarding rules of the road
blogTO online
2024-08-01
The new study from CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) shows that a majority of motorists in the province admit to engaging in dangerous driving behaviour in just the past year alone. The study found that 55 per cent of Ontario drivers admitted to risky and unsafe driving in the past year — which would suggest the true figure is even higher. "Dangerous driving behaviours, such as speeding, distracted driving and aggressive driving continue to pose significant risks on our roads," said 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."
CAA survey shows people are driving distracted, a lot
Barrie 360 online
2023-07-31
Despite Ontario’s distracted driving law, a recent CAA survey reveals a rising number of members admitting to using smartphones and writing text messages while driving. Other surprising activities were also reported. We are joined by CAA community consultant Michael Stevens to discuss the shocking results!
CAA Urges Drivers and Motorcyclists to Share the Road Safely
PTBO Today online
2023-07-10
With two motorcycle-related fatalities having occurred in the city over the past week, CAA reminds vehicle drivers and motorcyclists alike to share the road and be particularly vigilant of one another. CAA community relations consultant Michael Stewart says with the arrival of summer, more drivers are on the road, including motorcyclists taking advantage of the seasonal weather. That requires an elevated level of awareness and road-sharing respect.
More than 150K people in Ontario have driven high on edibles in last 3 months, survey suggests
Global News online
2022-12-01
“It’s shocking that we’re seeing this many people who are getting behind the wheel while high,” Michael Stewart, a community relations consultant with CAA, said. “Our data shows an alarming trend in the use of edibles and driving. With the growing popularity of cookies, gummies, and chocolates, since legalization, the use of edibles continues to rise and so do people who drive high on edibles.” Stewart said the use of edibles before getting behind the wheel is particularly concerning because it’s harder to detect and can take up to two hours to kick in. People could begin driving sober, “only to become high mid-trip,” the release said.
Time change prompts safety message from CAA
Sarnia News Today online
2022-11-04
Community Relations Consultant Michael Stewart said the winter months bring reduced daylight and visibility. “Thirty minutes before sunset, and thirty minutes after sunrise is when you should have your full vehicle lights on,” said Stewart. “If you are a pedestrian, especially this time of year, make sure that you remain on the sidewalk, only cross at designated crossings, and always be aware of your surroundings. If you can, wear bright and reflective clothing. You can visit a CAA store and pick up a free reflector tag. Those little markers can go on jackets or backpacks to increase visibility at this time of the year.” Stewart said Ontario Provincial Police and Ministry of Transportation data show an increase in crashes in the days following a time change. He says if you’re feeling drowsy behind the wheel, pull over and take a break.
Hwy. 401 work crew's close call with big rig shakes safety advocates
Windsor Star online
2022-07-22
“Any incident that involves people working on the road hits near and dear to our hearts,” said Michael Stewart, community relations consultant for CAA South Central Ontario. “We want to make sure that tow truck drivers, police officers, first responders and anyone who calls the side of the road their workplace has a safe place to work.”
Dangerous driving is on the rise in Ontario, CAA survey suggests
Global News online
2022-06-29
“Ontario police services continue to report significant amounts of speeding, stunt and aggressive driving. Although the pandemic amplified the awareness, the issue was growing well before that,” said Michael Stewart of CAA South Central Ontario. “Traffic returning to pre-pandemic levels could be the reason why we’re seeing this increase in unsafe driving.”
CAA poll shows eight in 10 Canadian drivers admit to distracted driving
Durham Radio News online
2022-04-27
Community Relations Consultant with CAA Michael Stewart says among the most dangerous distractions people name are their own in-vehicle technologies, like a phone, the vehicle console, or voice-activated features. “When you looked at those eight in 10 Canadian drivers, their recent activities had nothing to do with their phone,” shared Stewart. “It was eating or drinking, a car’s console adjustment, voice activated features… a general rule of thumb is any activity that takes focus away from driving – is a distraction.”
CAA asking drivers and cyclists to be safe as cyclists return to the road
Durham Radio News online
2021-05-20
As the warm, summer-like weather continues, CAA is reminding drivers and cyclists to share the road and stay safe. “With more cyclists re-emerging onto the roads, it is important to be vigilant and mindful of other road users,” said CAA Spokesperson Michael Stewart.
