Featured Post from CAA Club Group

MEDIA RELEASE: Stay Alert Stay Safe: Daylight saving time ends soon

Oct 30, 2020

3 min



CAA South Central Ontario ( CAA SCO)  is reminding all motorists and pedestrians to stay alert as daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1. The return to standard time means fewer daylight hours and reduced visibility for all road users.


“We know that typically, in November, there is a spike in collisions between motorists and pedestrians. Road safety and pedestrian safety are a shared responsibility. Taking precautions and being aware of other road users helps us all arrive at our destinations safely,” says Raymond Chan, manager of government relations, CAA SCO.


While pedestrian incidents increase every year at this time, the latest research indicates the potential for harm is even higher today due to COVID-19.

Earlier this year, CAA SCO conducted a study of 1500 Ontario licenced drivers that found, because of COVID-19, people are most comfortable driving their vehicles, walking or cycling to get around over the coming months. The study also found that:

  • Respondents were more likely walking one to three times a week before the pandemic but are more likely to walk four to seven times per week during the pandemic.
  • These numbers are in line with a CAA National survey that also found 30 per cent of cyclists increased their activity.


“Our study also showed that not yielding to cyclists/pedestrians and drivers running stop signs or red lights were the most reckless driving behaviours seen within city limits during the pandemic," says Chan. "We are facing additional challenges this year. Physical distancing means pedestrians may step out onto the road to keep their distance from others or may take longer to cross at intersections. It is important now more than ever to remind road users to follow the rules of the road and be patient."


What motorists can do to stay safe:

  • Always look for pedestrians crossing the road. Be alert and attentive while driving and yield to pedestrians who are stepping on to the road to maintain physical distancing.
  • Mind your blind spots. Be aware of blind spots when making turns at intersections.
  • Stay focused and vigilant behind the wheel. Avoid distractions inside and outside of your vehicle.
  • Slow down in school zones. Reduce your speed and obey speed limits in school zones and residential neighbourhoods.
  • Prepare for the unexpected. Residential streets and school zones have different types of obstacles, such as children playing outdoors, riding bikes, skateboarding, etc.
  • Be cautious and considerate. Be alert around stopped transit vehicles and be courteous to pedestrians with different mobility needs that may require more time.
  • Use your lights. Motorists should use their full lighting system when it gets dark and in low visibility situations.


What pedestrians can do to stay safe:

  • Be careful when physical distancing on the sidewalk. Try to avoid stepping out onto road and if you end up stepping on the road, ensure there are no vehicles in the lane.
  • Always be aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions and be alert while crossing the street and stepping onto the road.
  • Follow the flow. Follow signals and cross at designated locations or crosswalks.
  • Stop, look, and listen. Ensure all traffic has come to a complete stop before crossing the road.
  • Keep an eye out. Make eye contact with motorists—never assume that drivers can see you or know your intentions.
  • Be visible. Pedestrians should wear bright or reflective clothing or accessories at night to help with visibility.


Additionally, motorists should take extra caution on Halloween as some regions could have trick or treaters and they may have the added visual restrictions of wearing a mask or face shield.


CAA SCO is offering free reflector tags at CAA Stores that can be attached to backpacks and jackets. Find your nearest CAA Store here and stop by to get up to four free tags per family.



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STORY: CCG wins prestigious IT innovation award

CAA Club Group of Companies (CCG), the parent organization of CAA South Central Ontario (SCO), CAA Manitoba, CAA Insurance, Orion Travel Insurance, and Echelon Insurance, has won a 2024 Canadian IDC CIO Award for IT innovation, from International Data Corporation (IDC) Canada, in collaboration with Foundry’s CIO. The International Data Corporation CIO Awards celebrate Canadian organizations and the teams within them that use IT in innovative ways to deliver business value, whether by creating competitive advantage, optimizing business processes, enabling growth, or improving relationships with customers. “Innovation stems from the top at CCG, thanks to our CEO Jay Woo, who has used his strong technical skills to build a foundation of excellence across the organization,” said Mary Duncan, Chief Human Resources Officer, CCG. “This prestigious recognition speaks to the strong technical skills, dedication, teamwork and diversity of CCG’s technology and innovation team, led by our Chief Technology & Innovation Officer Apra Sekhon. “ Business transformation at CCG is built on a strong technical foundation, leveraging industry-leading technology platforms and digital solutions. “CCG attracts the best of the best when it comes to technology and innovation because we understand that IT professionals thrive when given an opportunity to solve meaningful business problems through modern technology,” said Apra Sekhon, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer, CCG. “They also want to work for an organization that makes them feel welcome, promotes a sense of belonging, and rewards collective accomplishments. That’s what we have here at CCG.” CCG’s technology and innovation team is made up of over 30% women with many of them in leadership positions. The team is comprised of people from over 20 different nationalities speaking as many different languages, bringing diverse perspectives, innovative approaches to problem-solving skills, abundant energy, and spirited enthusiasm to work collaboratively towards successful project implementations in support of our business objectives. The 2024 IDC CIO Award recognized the team’s work to modernize Echelon’s Specialty Personal Lines and Individually Rated Commercial Auto insurance systems. It was a large, complex project that required strong project governance and oversight over a large global delivery team comprising of architects, designers, developers, business analysts and quality assurance teams to deliver the project on time, scope, quality, and budget. “This recognition is a testament to our strength as an organization, our inclusive HR practices, the environment of trust and collaboration that our leaders have created and equal opportunities provided to everyone in our pursuit for excellence,” continued Sekhon. “I feel honoured to help create an environment that fosters personal and professional fulfillment through working on challenging projects and delivering exceptional business value.” Sekhon and her team will accept the award later this year at a ceremony in September.

3 min

MEDIA RELEASE: A new CAA study reveals over half of Ontario drivers have witnessed a close-call collision or traffic violation caused by distracted driving

A new study conducted by CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) shows that over half of Ontario drivers (66 per cent) have witnessed a close-call collision or traffic violation caused by distracted driving. For many Ontarians, those close calls are fueling safety concerns. Ninety-one per cent of drivers in the province feel somewhat or very concerned about distracted driving, a number that remains unchanged from 2023. “Distracted driving continues to be a leading factor in collisions on highways and city roads,” says Michael Stewart, community relations consultant for CAA SCO. “We continue to raise awareness of the risks associated with using your mobile device or in-vehicle technology while driving.” Distracted driving has a direct impact on road safety Ontario’s ban on using hand-held devices while driving has been in effect since October 2009. Despite this ban, distracted driving is still a common sight on our roads. The survey found that 63 per cent of Ontario Drivers have been behind a driver in another vehicle who missed a traffic light change because that driver was distracted. "It takes only a split second of inattention to cause a close call or even a tragic collision. Staying focused behind the wheel is not just a personal responsibility but a crucial act of safety for everyone on the road,” adds Stewart. The survey also found that 42 per cent of Ontario drivers stated that they had met the criteria for being distracted drivers in the past, with two per cent admitting to having been charged. While there can be many distractions on the road, the top five most concerning distractions for those surveyed are: 1. Holding a mobile device 2. Watching TV 3. Making a video call 4. Grooming 5. Typing a destination into a GPS or navigation app “Safe driving requires focus and concentration. It is always best to set up your navigation system and send your text messages before driving,” says Stewart, “Using this technology while driving is simply not worth the risk of potential charges and the danger it poses to both the driver and others on the road.” Ontarians believe fines and penalties remain the most effective methods to combat distracted driving Ontario drivers can face a minimum fine of $615 up to $1,000, three demerit points and a three-day licence suspension for their first conviction of distracted driving. According to survey data, 60 per cent of drivers support increasing fines and penalties for distracted driving convictions – however, only 32 per cent were aware of all the penalties that come with your first conviction. “As we continue to see a trend in these behaviours behind the wheel, we understand the public’s concern and desire for stronger repercussions,” says Stewart. “CAA SCO will continue to advocate for road safety through education and community member insights to help us create safer roads for all.” For more information, please visit www.caasco.com/distracted  DIG Insights conducted the survey from January 22 to February 5, 2024, as a follow-up to research to previous CAA reports. The online survey was conducted with 1,513 Ontario drivers aged 18 and older. Based on the sample size of n=1,513 and with a confidence level of 95%, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.)

2 min

MEDIA RELEASE: A new CAA study reveals over half of Manitoban drivers have witnessed a close-call collision or traffic violation caused by distracted driving

A new study conducted by CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) shows that 59 per cent of Manitoba drivers have witnessed a close-call collision or distracted driving traffic violation. For many Manitobans, these close calls are fueling safety concerns, as 89 per cent of drivers in the province feel somewhat or very concerned about distracted driving. “Distracted driving is the leading contributing factor in fatal motor vehicle collisions in Manitoba,” says Ewald Friesen, manager of government and community relations at CAA Manitoba. “By raising awareness of the risks of distracted driving, we hope to do our part to save lives and increase safety." Distracted driving has a direct impact on road safety Manitoba’s ban on using hand-held devices while driving has been in effect since July 2010. However, distracted driving caused by technology continues to be a concern across the province. The survey found that 60 per cent of Manitoba drivers have been behind a driver in another vehicle who missed a traffic light change because that driver was distracted. “Safe driving requires focus and concentration.  It is always best to set up your navigation system and send your text messages before driving,” says Friesen, “Using this technology while driving is simply not worth the risk of potential charges and the danger it poses to both the driver and others on the road.” The survey also found that 51 per cent of Manitoba drivers stated that they had met the criteria for being distracted drivers in the past, with three per cent admitting to having been charged. While there can be many distractions on the road, the top five most concerning distractions for those surveyed are: 1. Holding a mobile device 2. Watching TV 3. Making a video call 4. Grooming 5. Wearing headphones or earbuds “It is always best to send your text messages and make your video calls before driving,” says Friesen, “Engaging in these behaviours is not only illegal, but they put the life of the driver and those around them at risk.” Manitobans believe fines, penalties and public education remain the most effective methods to combat distracted driving According to Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), using a mobile device while driving is illegal. If ignored, this can result in a $672 fine and possible license suspension. The survey also found that 57 per cent of Manitoba drivers support increasing fines and penalties for distracted driving convictions. For more information, please visit https://www.caamanitoba.com/distracted The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from January 22 to February 5, 2024, 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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