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MEDIA RELEASE: As CAA launches annual Worst Roads campaign, new survey data reveals that 71 per cent of Ontarians are concerned with road conditions

Mar 28, 2019

3 min



        

A study conducted ahead of CAA’s Worst Roads campaign underscores how Ontarians feel about the state of their roads. Seventy-one per cent of those surveyed say they are concerned about the condition of roads, while 60 per cent of respondents don’t believe that roads are being repaired in a timely manner.

 

The data reinforces the campaign’s importance, says Raymond Chan, government relations specialist for CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO). “The simple act of participating in the CAA Worst Roads campaign can help various levels of government understand what roadway improvements are top of mind for road users, and where improvements could be prioritized.”  

 

The study also found that while most regularly see roads in need of repair, 67 per cent of respondents stated they took no action to get them repaired. The CAA Worst Roads campaign is designed to be an easy forum for Ontarians to engage and take action on issues that impact them.

 

“We want to know what roads are seen as pain points for Ontarians. Whether the issue is congestion, potholes, road signage or challenges around pedestrian and cycling safety, CAA wants to hear from you," says Chan.

 

Investing in infrastructure improvements, including the proper maintenance of roads and bridges, is important to the vitality of local communities. CAA continues to advocate for longer-term dedicated infrastructure funding to help municipalities prepare, plan, budget and execute on repair backlogs and capital projects. 

 

Repaving and repair work has been completed on many of the roads that have appeared on Ontario’s CAA Worst Roads list. Some examples include:

 

Burlington St. E., Hamilton

This Hamilton road has appeared on the annual list since 2008. It received the dubious honour of Ontario's Worst Road in both 2017 and 2018, thanks in part to potholes and crumbling pavement.  A total of $3.3 million has been allocated to resurface and replace the lower part of Burlington St. E. with fresh pavement in 2018/2019.

 

Duckworth St., Barrie

This Barrie roadway claimed the third spot in the 2018 campaign.

The first phase of a $10.3M reconstruction of Duckworth St. began last fall and the second phase will begin this spring. Improvements of Duckworth St. between Melrose Ave. and Bell Farm Rd. are planned for completion in 2020.


Dufferin St., Toronto

Topping the list from 2012 to 2014, Toronto’s Dufferin St. has continued to appear on the Top 10 list of Ontario’s Worst Roads. As part of the City of Toronto’s Capital Works Program, Dufferin St. from Dundas St. W. to Bloor St. W. was repaved and sections of damaged curb and sidewalk were replaced.

 

CAA SCO is calling on Ontarians to vote for their Worst Road today and join the community of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians committed to improving Ontario’s roads.

 

Nominations for CAA’s Worst Roads can be cast at caaworstroads.com until April 26. To encourage participants to act on their concerns, they will be entered into a grand prize draw to win free gas for a year, or one of 10 secondary prizes.

 

Once voting closes, CAA will compile a list of the 10 worst roads in Ontario, along with the worst roads in regions across the province. The regional top five lists will help shine further light on the state of local roads in municipalities across Ontario.

 

CAA will present the list of 2019 Worst Roads to local and provincial officials to help inform future funding and planning decisions.





About the Survey

This study was conducted online by Campaign Research between February 15-20, 2019 among a sample of 1,515 Ontario residents who were 18 years of age or older. A probability sample of this size would have a margin of error of +-2.5% 19 times out of 20.

 

About CAA South Central

As a leader and advocate for road safety and mobility, CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club which represents the interests of 2 million members. For over a century, CAA has collaborated with communities, police services and government to help keep drivers and their families safe while travelling on our roads.

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

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2 min

MEDIA RELEASE: Avoid the Winter Wallop: CAA, Toronto Police Service and OPP team up with winter weather readiness tips.

Almost one month before the official start of winter and CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO), Toronto Police Service (TPS) and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are joining forces to keep drivers safe before winter weather blows in with full force. The three organizations are teaming up to help inform Ontario drivers that now is the time to install winter tires, check their car batteries, and stock their cars with emergency car kits that include essentials for the winter months. “Ontario winters can be unpredictable, and snowstorms can hit suddenly. It’s always best to prepare ahead of time in case driving conditions become hazardous,” says Nadia Matos, manager of external communications, CAA SCO. “There’s no time like the present to ensure your safety before getting on the road.” Driving behaviour is the most important factor in ensuring safe driving operations in winter weather. "Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” says Sergeant Murray Campbell, Toronto Police Service. “With fewer daylight hours and reduced visibility, we are urging everyone to remain vigilant, be aware of other road users, drive according to the weather conditions, ensure vehicle lights are on, and plan ahead to allow for extra travel time.” The organizations continue to reinforce last year’s amendments to the Highway Traffic Act, including the illegal passing of snowplows working in echelon on Ontario highways. “Not only is passing these plows illegal, but it is also incredibly dangerous,” says Sergeant Ted Dongelmans, Ontario Provincial Police. “Offenders may face a fine ranging from $150 to $1,000 if found passing a snowplow while they are clearing the roads.” Before heading out on the road this winter, motorists can download and use the 511 app to check the weather and road conditions before they leave home. The 511 app can be found at 511on.ca or in the app store on their mobile devices. For a safer trip this Winter, CAA, TPS and OPP are sharing the following motorist tips: • Test your car battery. If necessary, replace it before it fails. CAA SCO will test Members’ batteries free of cost during a service call. • Pack a fully stocked emergency car kit. The kit should include a flashlight, extra batteries, warning devices (e.g., flares, reflective vests/strips), a first aid kit, blankets, jumper cables, non-perishable food and water, and a phone charger. Be sure to always keep an ice scraper, small shovel, and snow brush handy in your car. • Service your vehicle. Have your brakes checked, oil changed and top up your windshield washer fluid and any other fluids that are getting low. • Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. Cold weather causes condensation in the system, which can lead to fuel-line freeze-up and prevent a car from starting. • Check your lighting system. Ensuring you have full lighting is very important in the winter months. Check your headlights and signal lights to ensure they work correctly.

3 min

MEDIA RELEASE: Are you Ready for Winter Driving? CAA Manitoba shares winter weather readiness tips

As the cold weather begins to roll in, CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) is encouraging Manitobans to prepare themselves and their vehicles accordingly for the winter season. “All too often, motorists wait until the first snowfall before preparing their vehicles for winter driving,” says Nadia Matos, manager, external communications for CAA Manitoba. “Now is the time to get your winter tires on and check that your car battery will last the winter months. Even a fully charged battery can lose power when the temperature dips below 0° Celsius.” CAA Manitoba has compiled a list of winter readiness tips for Manitobans to help them prepare for the winter season. • Install winter tires for better traction – On cold and snowy roads winter tires can help reduce your breaking distance by up to 25 per cent. Members can call CAA before Nov. 30 to have our mobile tire service change them for you at home for a fee. • Test your car battery - If necessary, replace it before it fails. Even a fully charged battery can lose up to 30 per cent charge in temperatures below zero. CAA Manitoba will test Members’ batteries free of cost during a service call. • Ensure you have an emergency car kit – Your kit should have water, non-perishable food, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, batteries, waterproof matches, candles, and cat litter to help create traction under your tires. Add extra mitts, hats, socks and footwear to your emergency kit. • Have your brakes checked - If you’ve noticed any change in the feel of your brakes, or if they’re squealing or grinding, it may be time to have them serviced. With black ice and unpredictable weather, having good brakes can mean the difference between stopping and sliding. • Check your block heater- When you park– is your outdoor plug drawing power? Is your extension cord working with no missing prongs or exposed wires? • Check your lighting system - Make sure all your interior and exterior lights are working. For safe driving, ensure your headlights are aimed correctly. • Top up your fluids - Keep extra fluid in your trunk. Make sure it’s rated for -40ºC. Don’t let your gas drop below half full. • Inspect your wiper blade – Check the condition of your blades if you notice streaking on the windshield. Check for fraying or cracking and remove worn wiper blades and replace them with new ones. • Ensure you have the appropriate winter tools - Keep an ice scraper, small shovel and snow brush handy in your car at all times. While it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready to go, it’s also important for drivers and passengers to be prepared in case of an emergency or if you are stranded. Some additional ways to be prepared include: Have a cell phone battery bank and keep it on you, as well as a charging cable that connects your phone to your vehicle. • Download and register for the CAA app and keep your CAA membership card in your wallet or vehicle so you always know how to contact CAA Manitoba if you are stranded. • Check Manitoba 511.ca for road conditions and closures if you head into a rural area. • Always tell your loved ones where you plan to go and what your route is before leaving on a longer trip in your vehicle. “Member safety is always our top priority at CAA Manitoba,” says Matos. “There’s no better time than the present to ensure you, your loved ones and your vehicle are ready to drive safely this winter season.” For more information about driving safely in winter conditions, please visit our Safe Winter Driving page at caamanitoba.com.

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