Michael Stewart 
Community Relations Specialist | CAA South Central Ontario
Thornhill, ON, CANADA
Michael oversees CAA South Central Ontario's cycling and pedestrian 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 vulnerable road users and oversees CAA SCO’s cycling and pedestrian safety outreach efforts. More specifically, this includes raising awareness on how to prevent ‘dooring’ incidents and how cities can adapt to provide more space for those walking or cycling.
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 (2)
Safety
Government Relations
Areas of Expertise (5)
Vulnerable Road Users
Cycling Safety
Community Relations
Road Safety
Pedestrian Safety
Education (2)
University of Ottawa: B.A., Communication Studies
Dalhousie University: B.A., English, Political Science and Popular Culture Studies
Media Appearances (5)
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.
