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North Atlantic Sargassum Bloom Hits Record Levels – and Florida is Feeling the Surge, One Expert Says featured image

North Atlantic Sargassum Bloom Hits Record Levels – and Florida is Feeling the Surge, One Expert Says

Dr. Brian LaPointe, Research Professor at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, is one of the nation’s most recognized experts on marine ecosystems. His work spans algal physiology, biochemistry, biodiversity, and coastal conservation — with more than a decade of dedicated research focused on the rise and impact of sargassum blooms across the Atlantic. LaPointe confirmed that sargassum levels in the North Atlantic have hit a new biomass record — and much of it is now washing ashore across South Florida’s coastlines. The scale of this bloom, he says, could have lasting consequences for marine ecosystems, tourism, and public health. LaPointe recently spoke to CNN about why this record bloom is raising alarm bells: “Sargassum goes from being a very beneficial resource of the North Atlantic to becoming what we refer to as… a harmful algal bloom when it comes ashore in excessive biomass.” Ammonia is another problem emitted by the decaying seaweed, LaPointe noted. The chemical compound “strips the oxygen out of the waters along our coastal ecosystems like mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds,” he said. The scale of the bloom is staggering. According to University of South Florida estimates cited by LaPointe, over 31 million tons of sargassum have been detected this year — a 40% increase over the previous record. Dr. Brian LaPointe is available to speak with the media on this topic. For interviews, click below to view his full profile and click the connect button.

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1 min. read
Tattoos as Testimonies: Baylor Sociologist Explores How Ink Is Becoming a Spiritual Marker for a New Generation featured image

Tattoos as Testimonies: Baylor Sociologist Explores How Ink Is Becoming a Spiritual Marker for a New Generation

New research reveals how religious tattoos reflect a cultural – and generational – shift in how faith is expressed through permanent body art. Dr. Kevin D. Dougherty, professor of sociology at Baylor University, brings a unique lens to this evolving phenomenon. An award-winning educator and active researcher, Dougherty teaches both undergraduates and graduate students in areas of sociology, including courses on religion, teaching and organizational life. His research explores religious affiliation, participation, racial diversity in congregations and the ways faith intersects with politics, work and community. In a recent study published in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, Dougherty and his co-authors – Texas Tech sociology professors Jerome R. Koch, Ph.D. and Paticia Maloney, Ph.D. – examine how tattoos—once seen as rebellious—are now being embraced as spiritual markers, particularly among younger generations. The study used national data from the 2021 Baylor Religion Survey, administered by Gallup to a random sample of 1,248 U.S. adults. The findings reveal that nearly 10% of American adults have tattoos with religious or spiritual significance – suggesting a major cultural shift in how lived religion is publicly and permanently expressed. “What we’re seeing is that tattoos are becoming modern-day sacred objects,” said Koch. “They’re permanent, deeply personal and often worn as both a proclamation of faith and a private reminder of belief.” The research challenges longstanding stereotypes that religious individuals avoid tattoos. While highly religious adults remain slightly less likely overall to be tattooed, younger people with strong religious commitment were the most likely to mark their faith visibly and permanently on their bodies. The study also points to a broader evolution in faith practices. Tattoos are now joining other forms of spiritual expression like jewelry and clothing—but with one major distinction: permanence. “A religious tattoo doesn’t come off. It travels with you,” said Dougherty. “It encourages continuity, a lasting connection to what you believe.” Dougherty’s interest in the topic was sparked during a classroom assignment, where students were asked to document tattoos on campus. He was struck by how many were linked to religious themes. “Tattoos that once marked the fringes of respectable society are now being redeemed as testimonies of belief,” he said. “They’re a reminder that faith—like culture—is always adapting, always finding new ways to speak.” For media inquiries and to connect with Kevin, click the icon below. 

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2 min. read
Jennifer Oldham of ChristianaCare Champions Life-Saving CPR Care featured image

Jennifer Oldham of ChristianaCare Champions Life-Saving CPR Care

“Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother/ You’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive.” Nearly 50 years since this song’s debut, the faint symphony of the Bees Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” can be still heard around the world, though not only through an ordinary radio or Bluetooth speaker. Some people, like Jennifer Oldham, MSN, RN, CEN, AACC, play the tune in their thoughts when giving and demonstrating rhythmic CPR compressions. The song’s tempo serves as guidance to match the timing of CPR chest compressions. Oldham, a cardiovascular quality and innovation nurse program manager at ChristianaCare’s Center for Heart & Vascular Health, has dedicated the last three decades to teaching others about harnessing the power of CPR to save patients and loved ones. She knows firsthand the miracles CPR can produce. Knowledge is power Community members, health care professionals and students have the ability to save a life thanks to Oldham. She’s conducted dozens of classes and lectures to give nurses and bystanders the tools and confidence to perform CPR in an emergency. Her profound work recently earned her an honor at the American Heart Association’s Delaware Heart Ball. The Heart Association recognized four individuals representing four key tenets or “chambers” — “discovery, advocacy, equity, and knowledge.” Oldham was chosen as the honoree for the Knowledge Chamber for her dedication to empowering others with life-saving education and tools. “Jen Oldham’s work is the heartbeat of our Knowledge Chamber. Her dedication to CPR education reflects the very mission of the American Heart Association – to ensure more lives are saved through awareness and action,” said Ellen Vild, director of the Delaware Heart Ball. “Jen’s story reminds us that knowledge is power, but more importantly, it’s compassion in action. We are honored to recognize her as someone who lives that mission every single day.” Oldham’s colleague Neil Wimmer, M.D., MS, interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, was delighted to see her recognized. “Jen is an amazing colleague and friend who is driven by compassion and empathy. She makes everyone in our state safer, whether they know it or not,” Wimmer said. The gift of life To Oldham, teaching others about CPR is rewarding. She makes a meaningful impact on patients’ lives every day through care, education, emotional support and community connection. CPR is more than just a technique, she said: It’s a lifechanging bond. “In my opinion, performing CPR is one of the most kind and loving acts one person can do for another. It is incredibly intimate … laying hands on someone’s chest and pushing, circulating their blood to save their life,” Oldham said. “What a beautiful gift to give someone — the gift of life, the gift of more time with their loved one.” Walking to save lives The ChristianaCare team and Oldham support heart health as part of the annual Wilmington Heart Walk. Last year they raised over $42,000 for the American Heart Association to fund research and education to help Americans live longer, healthier lives. Oldham has been a co-chair of the event since 2017 and is a strong advocate of the AHA’s mission. Valerie Dechant, M.D., MBA, FACP, chief medical officer of Christiana Hospital, knows the value of Oldham’s efforts in the community. “Jen’s passion for educating the public about acute cardiac emergencies is unmatched,” she said. “With decades of experience and a remarkable ability to translate clinical expertise into clear actionable knowledge, she empowers others to learn to feel confident and prepared in a crisis.”

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3 min. read
Tariffs fuel global sourcing shakeup for fashion in the U.S. featured image

Tariffs fuel global sourcing shakeup for fashion in the U.S.

Be prepared to see more Made in Vietnam or Made in Bangladesh labels on clothing in the coming years. That’s because U.S. fashion companies are rethinking their global sourcing strategies and operations in response to the Trump administration’s trade policies and tariffs, according to new research by the University of Delaware's Sheng Lu. Lu, professor and graduate director in the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, partners with the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA), on an annual survey of executives at the top 25 U.S. fashion brands, retailers, importers and wholesalers doing business globally. Members include well-known names like Levi’s, Macy’s, Ralph Lauren and Under Armour, among others. The report covers business challenges and outlook, sourcing practices and views on trade policy. “We wear more than just clothes; we wear the global economy, the supply chain and the public policies that jointly make fashion and affordable clothing available to American families,” Lu said. “We want to know where these companies source their products and what factors matter to them the most. It’s a classic question and it evolves each year.” This year’s report, released on July 31, shows tariffs and protectionist policies are the top business challenge for companies, with nearly half reporting declining sales and more than 20% saying they have had to lay off employees. This was followed closely by uncertainty around inflation and the economy, increasing sourcing and production costs, and changes in trade policies from other countries. In response, more than 80% of companies said they will diversify the countries from which they source their products, focusing on vendors in Asian countries such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Indonesia. Despite the push for “Made in USA” garments, only 17% of respondents plan to increase sourcing from the U.S. Lu shared his findings in the following Q&A: What surprised you about the survey results? Two things surprised me. First, contrary to common perception, the results do not indicate that the tariff policy so far has effectively supported or encouraged more textile and apparel production in the U.S. This actually makes sense. U.S. mills are as uncertain about the tariff rates as our trading partners are. A U.S. company may manufacture the clothes here, but use yarns, fabrics and zippers from other countries. When tariffs drive up the cost of these raw materials, it reduces the price competitiveness of apparel “Made in the USA.” Many domestic factories are in a “wait and see” mode, holding back on making critical investments to expand production due to the lack of a clear policy signal. Second, I was struck by the wide-ranging impact of the tariffs, which has gone far beyond what I originally imagined. Tariffs have not only increased U.S. fashion companies’ sourcing costs but have also affected their product development, shipping and overall supply chain management. Nearly 70% of the survey respondents said they have delayed or canceled some sourcing orders due to tariff hikes. Should consumers be prepared for less variety in clothing or shortages? Later this year, we may see fewer clothing items from our favorite brands on store shelves — especially during the holiday shopping season — and many of those items may come with a higher price tag. That said, fashion companies are doing what they can to avoid passing on tariff costs across the board, as they recognize that consumers are price sensitive. Many surveyed U.S. fashion companies say they intend to strengthen relationships with key vendors as a strategic move, and there is a growing public call for U.S. companies to provide more support and resources to their suppliers in developing countries. Sustainability is a huge issue in the fashion industry, as millions of tons of textiles end up in landfills every year. Companies say they are spending less on sustainability efforts. What would you tell companies about their sustainability efforts? Our survey suggests that sustainability can open up new business opportunities for U.S. fashion companies. Respondents said that when sourcing clothing made from sustainable fibers — like recycled, organic, biodegradable and regenerative materials — they are more likely to rely on a U.S. sourcing base or suppliers in the Western Hemisphere. In other words, even if apparel “Made in the USA” or nearby cannot always compete on price with lower-cost Asian suppliers, there is a better chance to compete on sustainability. Based on what I’ve learned from our Gen Z students — who expect better quality and more sustainable products if they have to pay more, and are critical consumers for many brands and retailers — it is unwise to hold back on investments in sustainability. What do you see as the biggest takeaway from the survey? One key takeaway is that the $4 trillion fashion and apparel business today is truly “made anywhere in the world and sold anywhere in the world.” In such a highly global and interconnected industry, everyone is a stakeholder — meaning there are no real winners in a tariff war. The study is also a powerful reminder that fashion is far more than just creating stylish clothing. Today’s fashion industry is deeply intertwined with sustainability, international relations, trade policy and technology. I hope the findings will be timely, informative and useful to fashion companies, policymakers, suppliers and fellow researchers. I plan to incorporate the insights, as well as the valuable industry connections developed through my long term partnership with USFIA, in my classroom, giving UD students fresh, real-world perspectives on the often “unfashionable” but essential side of the industry. Reporters interested in speaking with Lu can contact him directly by visiting his profile and clicking on the contact button. UD's media relations team can be reached via email.

Sheng Lu profile photo
4 min. read
Breaking: Justin Timberlake Reveals He Has Lyme Disease featured image

Breaking: Justin Timberlake Reveals He Has Lyme Disease

When a major celebrity opens up about a personal health struggle, public attention often follows. That’s certainly the case after Justin Timberlake recently revealed that he is battling Lyme disease—a condition that affects nearly half a million Americans each year but remains widely misunderstood. Timberlake’s announcement is bringing renewed focus to the causes, risks, and complexities of Lyme disease, including how it spreads, where it’s most prevalent, and what individuals can do to protect themselves. With tick season still active in many regions, this moment offers an opportunity to better inform the public—and we’ve identified a group of leading experts who can help do just that. From microbiologists and epidemiologists to entomologists and disease ecologists, the following researchers bring a wide range of expertise on Lyme disease, tick biology, and environmental risk factors. Whether you're a journalist looking for credible sources, a public health communicator, or simply someone trying to make sense of this rising threat, these experts are available to provide clarity and context in the wake of this headline-making health disclosure. Featured Experts A highly media‑quoted microbiologist specializing in Lyme and other tick‑borne diseases. He runs TickReport, a service that tests ticks and interprets exposure risks. Insights on... How celebrities like Timberlake amplifying Lyme awareness may shift public perception and testing demand. The relevance of tick season timing and geographic risk zones. How tick testing works and what patients should know post‑exposure. Over two decades studying Borrelia burgdorferi and blacklegged ticks, with strong expertise in disease ecology and conservation medicine. Insights on... The biology of transmission and the tick’s life cycle—what leads to infection risk. How habitat and ecological shifts may affect Lyme exposure risks. Wildlife‑human disease interface in increasingly peri‑urban settings. Focuses on landscape ecology and patterns of vector‑borne disease emergence including Lyme disease. Insights on... How environmental changes (e.g. urban sprawl, climate trends) are altering Lyme disease risk maps. Predictive models: where Lyme is emerging next. Implications for public health messaging given high-profile cases like Timberlake’s. Specializes in tick taxonomy and vector species genetics—ideal for deeper background on tick diversity and distribution. Insights on... Which tick species carry Lyme and how misidentification can confuse diagnosis. Emerging tick species or genetic strains and what they mean for prevention. Geographic spread and species shift over time. His research examines geographic patterns of Lyme disease, including why incidence varies regionally in the U.S. Insights on... Why Lyme is more prevalent in certain states—even those outside Timberlake’s or his fans’ travel zones. Human behavioral and habitat factors (e.g. suburban greenspace vs. deep woods). What seasonal changes in tick behavior tell us about infection risk. Story Angles to Explore Celebrity spotlight on Lyme disease: How high‑profile cases can impact media attention, funding, public awareness, and testing demand. Diagnosis and prevention: From exposure to testing (e.g., TickReport), early symptoms, treatment windows, and what experts recommend post‑bite. Ecology and environment: Why Lyme is expanding geographically, and how climate and land‑use change influence risk. Tick evolution and identification: Educating the public on which ticks transmit Lyme, emerging strains, and challenges in correct tick identification. Regional variation in risk: Breakdowns of why some states or regions are Lyme hotspots and how that aligns with the celebrity’s likely exposure zones or fan geography. Looking for more Experts? Visit www.expertfile.com or download ExpertFile for your phone.

3 min. read
MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Research Finds Distracted Driving and Speeding Are the Top Two Road Safety Concerns in Manitoba featured image

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Research Finds Distracted Driving and Speeding Are the Top Two Road Safety Concerns in Manitoba

A new survey conducted by CAA Manitoba found that Manitobans are very worried about the dangerous driving they’ve seen across the province, especially distracted driving and speeding. The study found that 88 per cent of Manitoba drivers feel somewhat or very concerned about distracted driving. According to Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), distracted driving is now the number one cause of fatalities on Manitoba roadways. “It is no surprise that Manitobans are concerned about the dangerous driving they have witnessed, especially when it comes to distracted drivers,” says Ewald Friesen, manager, government & community relations for CAA Manitoba. “What is most concerning, however, is that currently, Manitoba does not have a specific distracted driving law, which could help deter distracted drivers and increase road safety.” CAA Manitoba’s research indicates that almost half (46 per cent) of Manitobans have admitted to being distracted drivers, while most (63 per cent) have witnessed a close-call collision or traffic violation caused by distracted driving. Most concerning, 13 per cent of drivers reported being directly involved in a collision due to distracted driving. Our research found that more than half of Manitobans believe increasing fines and penalties can discourage distracted drivers. “We know that drivers who text are far more likely to be involved in a crash or near-crash compared to non-distracted drivers,” adds Friesen. “Distractions inside and outside your vehicle can draw your focus away from where it needs to be most.” In addition to distracted driving, speeding continues to be a significant problem in Manitoba, and Automatic Speed Enforcement (ASE) may be an additional tool that has been shown in other jurisdictions to help. Additional research conducted by CAA shows that 82 per cent of Manitobans stated that speeding is also a problem this year. That same study found that 65 per cent of drivers support the use of ASE cameras. In fact, almost three-quarters of Manitobans say that ASE can help deter speeding and slow drivers down. “ASEs can be a valuable tool in positively shifting driver behaviour and protecting vulnerable road users, especially in areas with schools and community centres,” says Friesen. “Photo radar cameras should not be used as a revenue generator but rather as a tool to encourage safe driving behaviours, especially in school zones.” As of right now, Winnipeg is the only municipality in Manitoba with the right to use photo enforcement; however, other municipalities continue to lobby for similar rights. In addition to tools such as ASE cameras, Manitobans support higher fines and harsher penalties or suspensions, especially for repeat offenders. Over half of Manitobans (60 per cent) believe increasing the penalties on repeat offenders is the most effective way to discourage drivers from speeding, especially in school zones or near community centres. “CAA Manitoba continues to advocate for safer roads across all municipalities, especially for vulnerable road users,” says Friesen. “Standardized practices across municipalities regarding distracted driving laws and ASE cameras can help ensure that they are used in a predictable way that improves road safety and reinforces public trust.” For more information about dangerous driving and road safety, visit: www.caamanitoba.com/advocacy Speeding and Dangerous Driving Methodology The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from March 7 to March 19, 2025, 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%.) Distracted Driving Methodology The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from February 11 to February 21, 2025, with 506 Manitoba drivers aged 18 and older. Based on the sample size of n=506 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/- 3%.)

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3 min. read
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering professor Nibir Dhar, Ph.D., elevated to Virginia Microelectronics Center endowed chair featured image

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering professor Nibir Dhar, Ph.D., elevated to Virginia Microelectronics Center endowed chair

Nibir Dhar, Ph.D., director of the Convergence Lab Initiative and professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, was recently appointed to the Virginia Microelectronics Center endowed chair. This position gives Dhar the opportunity to shape future scientists and engineers, as well as pursue breakthrough research at the College of Engineering. “It’s more than an academic role,” said Dhar. “It’s about preparing students for complex problems they’ll solve in industry and defense.” Dhar teaches semiconductor and infrared device courses while researching next-generation materials for real-world applications. He also explores AI’s ability to improve human-machine interactions. With his accomplished background and experience at national defense labs, Dhar bridges classroom theory with practical engineering challenges his students will face in their careers. “It feels incredible to be recognized this way. Virginia Commonwealth University truly values faculty who pour themselves into student success and university growth. What really drives me is knowing I’m helping build the next generation of problem-solvers. That’s where the real satisfaction comes from.” said Dhar. This promotion encourages Dhar to make bigger strides for research development that will transform both teaching methods and how technology advances in military and commercial sectors.

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1 min. read
First AI-powered Smart Care Home system to improve quality of residential care featured image

First AI-powered Smart Care Home system to improve quality of residential care

Partnership between Lee Mount Healthcare and Aston University will develop and integrate a bespoke AI system into a care home setting to elevate the quality of care for residents By automating administrative tasks and monitoring health metrics in real time, the smart system will support decision making and empower care workers to focus more on people The project will position Lee Mount Healthcare as a pioneer of AI in the care sector and opening the door for more care homes to embrace technology. Aston University is partnering with dementia care provider Lee Mount Healthcare to create the first ‘Smart Care Home’ system incorporating artificial intelligence. The project will use machine learning to develop an intelligent system that can automate routine tasks and compliance reporting. It will also draw on multiple sources of resident data – including health metrics, care needs and personal preferences – to inform high-quality care decisions, create individualised care plans and provide easy access to updates for residents’ next of kin. There are nearly 17,000 care homes in the UK looking after just under half a million residents, and these numbers are expected to rise in the next two decades. Over half of social care providers still retain manual and paper-based approaches to care management, offering significant opportunity to harness the benefits of AI to enhance efficiency and care quality. The Smart Care Home system will allow for better care to be provided at lower cost, freeing up staff from administrative tasks so they can spend more time with residents. Manjinder Boo Dhiman, director of Lee Mount Healthcare, said: “As a company, we’ve always focused on innovation and breaking barriers, and this KTP builds on many years of progress towards digitisation. We hope by taking the next step into AI, we’ll also help to improve the image of the care sector and overcome stereotypes, to show that we are forward thinking and can attract the best talent.” Dr Roberto Alamino, lecturer in Applied AI & Robotics with the School of Computer Science and Digital Technologies at Aston University said: “The challenges of this KTP are both technical and human in nature. For practical applications of machine learning, it’s important to establish a common language between us as researchers and the users of the technology we are developing. We need to fully understand the problems they face so we can find feasible, practical solutions. For specialist AI expertise to develop the smart system, LMH is partnering with the Aston Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Application (ACAIRA) at Aston University, of which Dr Alamino is a member. ACAIRA is recognised internationally for high-quality research and teaching in computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) and is part of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. The Centre’s aim is to develop AI-based solutions to address critical social, health, and environmental challenges, delivering transformational change with industry partners at regional, national and international levels. The project is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership. (KTP). Funded by Innovate UK, KTPs are collaborations between a business, a university and a highly qualified research associate. The UK-wide programme helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Aston University is a sector leading KTP provider, ranked first for project quality, and joint first for the volume of active projects. For more information on the KTP visit the webpage.

3 min. read
Shark Week: Ocean predators go from villains to heroes, helping to predict hurricanes featured image

Shark Week: Ocean predators go from villains to heroes, helping to predict hurricanes

Just in time for Shark Week, the ocean's most famous predators are experiencing a redemption arc. Marine ecologists at the University of Delaware have fitted sharks with sensors and sent them out into the Atlantic Ocean to gather data that could help predict hurricanes. The research is led by UD professors Aaron Carlisle and Matt Oliver and PhD student Caroline Wiernicki. Enlisting sharks as amateur meteorologists comes at a critical time. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's capacity to forecast hurricanes has been hampered by federal cuts to staff and funding. Sharks also help speed things up. NOAA has partnered with UD and other Mid-Atlantic universities, which deploy gliders to the continental shelf to collect data that tell researchers what the water column looks like as hurricane season approaches. The gliders are effective but also slow moving and expensive to deploy and maintain. The researchers have successfully deployed three tags: two conductivity, temperature and depth (CTD) tags on two mako sharks (for oceanographic data collection); and a satellite tag on one white shark (to help evaluate if that species would be a good candidate for CTD tagging down the road). As of July 21, the white shark has been pinging the research team ever since he was tagged in May. He was recently tracked off Martha's Vineyard and has been surfacing every day – showing up in areas like Cape Cod and Long Island. The mako sharks were tagged off of the Delaware coast and swam south, bopping up and down between the Delmarva Peninsula and just north of Cape Hatteras. Carlisle, Oliver and Wiernicki are available for interviews. To reach Carlisle directly, visit his ExpertFile profile and click on the contact button. Interested journalists can also send an email to MediaRelations@udel.edu.

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2 min. read
MEDIA RELEASE: Caught on Camera: CAA study finds more drivers are slowing down for speed cameras, with more drivers ticketed featured image

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 profile photo
3 min. read