Michael Stewart

Community Relations Consultant CAA South Central Ontario

  • Thornhill ON

Michael oversees CAA South Central Ontario's traffic safety outreach efforts.

Contact

CAA Club Group

View more experts managed by CAA Club Group

View all Experts

Spotlight

3 min

MEDIA RELEASE: Caught on Camera: CAA study finds more drivers are slowing down for speed cameras, with more drivers ticketed

New findings from CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) show that Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) is changing driver behaviour. According to the research, ASE cameras are influencing habit changes in drivers in two ways: drivers are either slowing down or avoiding ASE cameras altogether. “When drivers choose to slow down or change their routes because of photo radar, it means the technology is doing what it’s meant to, reminding us to be more mindful behind the wheel,” says Michael Stewart, community relations consultant for CAA SCO. The data states that nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of Ontario drivers have received a ticket from an ASE camera, compared to 17 per cent in 2024. Although ticketing has increased, positive behavioural shifts have occurred because of ASE use. According to the survey, a majority of Ontario drivers (73 per cent) slow down when nearing an ASE camera and over half (52 per cent) shared that they are unlikely to speed up after they pass through an ASE zone; up from 44 per cent in 2023, demonstrating that the presence of ASEs is positively shifting driver behaviour in these areas. It also found that nearly half of drivers (46 per cent) avoid driving on roads with ASE in use. “These insights show how useful a tool ASE cameras can be,” says Stewart. “This technology isn’t about ‘gotcha’ moments; it’s about preventing real harm and changing driver behaviour.” Drivers support the use of ASE cameras in school zones Despite the increased ticketing in Ontario this year, many drivers support the use of ASE cameras, especially in school zones or areas with vulnerable road users. Nearly three-quarters of Ontario drivers (73 per cent) support the use of ASE in target areas such as school zones or near community centres. In fact, 76 per cent of Ontarians believe that cameras deter speeding altogether. “Our research shows that ASE continues to have strong public support and can be effective in getting drivers to change their behaviour. While speed cameras may not solve every road safety issue overnight, they play an important role in nudging driver behaviour in a safer direction,” adds Stewart. Public support for ASE use is no surprise, as speeding remains one of Ontario's most reported dangerous driving behaviours, with 40 per cent of drivers admitting to it in the past year. While ASE cameras are widely supported in community safety zones, CAA SCO recommends that any future expansion into other areas must be thoughtfully considered. “These cameras should never be used as a revenue generator, but rather, as a method to help protect road users and encourage safer driving habits,” says Stewart. “CAA SCO will continue to advocate for standardized practices across municipalities regarding ASE cameras to ensure effectiveness across our communities.” For more information on speeding and dangerous driving, please visit: https://www.caasco.com/speeding The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from March 7 to March 19, 2025, with 1,500 Ontario drivers aged 18 and older. Based on the sample size of n=1,500 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/2%.)  

Michael Stewart

2 min

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA South Central Ontario and OPP team up to remind drivers to slow down and move over this summer

As the busy summer travel season approaches, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are teaming up to remind motorists about the importance of Ontario’s Slow Down, Move Over law, a life-saving rule designed to protect emergency responders and roadside workers. CAA clubs across Canada are marking the second Tuesday in May as National Slow Down, Move Over Day today. OPP and CAA SCO representatives are holding an education event at the ONroute King City from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. OPP is also conducting a ride-along with the media to highlight enforcement efforts. The timing is especially important as Canada Road Safety Week also begins today, shining a broader spotlight on making Canadian roads safer for all. “Our highways are among the busiest in Canada, and for first responders and tow truck drivers, they are also their workplaces,” said Michael Stewart. “Everyone deserves a safe place to work. Drivers can do their part by slowing down and moving over when they see flashing lights.” The Slow Down, Move Over law is designed to protect their lives. In Ontario, drivers are required to slow down and, if it is safe to do so, move over one lane when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle — including police, fire, ambulance, and tow trucks — with flashing lights activated. Failure to comply could result in fines ranging from $400 to $2,000, three demerit points, and even a possible driver’s licence suspension for up to two years if convicted. “Education and awareness are key,” said Kerry Schmitt. “Each year, first responders and tow operators are put at risk when assisting stranded drivers or attending collisions. By slowing down and moving over, drivers can help make the roads safer for everyone.” CAA SCO and the OPP encourage all drivers to keep safety top of mind, not just during the summer months but every day of the year. For more information about the Slow Down, Move Over law, visit caasco.com.

Michael Stewart

3 min

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

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, 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%.) 

Michael Stewart
Show More +

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

Safety
Government Relations
Program Development

Areas of Expertise

Speeding
Impaired Driving
Road User Safety
Pedestrian Safety
Road Safety
Community Relations
Cycling Safety
Vulnerable Road Users
Distracted Driving
Cannabis and Road Safety

Education

University of Ottawa

B.A.

Communication Studies

Dalhousie University

B.A.

English, Political Science and Popular Culture Studies

Media Appearances

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.

View More

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."

View More

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!

View More

Show All +
Powered by