Featured Post from CAA Club Group

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Manitoba reminding drivers to keep safety top of mind as students return to school!

Oct 18, 2022

2 min



Winnipeg, MB, September 3, 2020 – COVID-19 has changed the way we do many things and, the return to school is no different. Many Manitoba students are heading back to school next week and CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) is reminding everyone to slow down and take extra caution while travelling through school zones.


Pedestrian safety begins with drivers, and this year more than ever, it’s important to put away distractions such as phones and be extra attentive in school zones, be it a parent driving or a child walking or biking to school.


“As students prepare to reunite with friends and classmates after a six-month hiatus, many might forget to take the extra precautions needed to stay safe. This means there is an even bigger responsibility to watch for children travelling to and from school,” says Heather Mack, manager of government and community relations for CAA MB.


Drivers can also use the following CAA tips to ensure they are staying safe in school zones:


  1. Make eye contact with children: With the excitement of back to school, anticipate that children may not easily see or hear your moving vehicle. Make eye contact with passing pedestrians and cyclists.
  2. Reduce traffic by walking: Incorporate a short walk into your commute to school. CAA encourages parents to park a block away and walk to school, if possible, to reduce congestion and make school zones safer.
  3. Slow down: Know the speed limit in your neighbourhood’s school zones and respect them.
  4. Watch for more school buses: Always stop for the buses’ flashing lights and wait for children to get safely on or off. Stay alert and watch for children or parents crossing the road when the bus moves on.
  5. Choose a safe spot to drop off and pick up your children from school: Follow your school’s rules and don’t park illegally, it can put your child’s safety at risk. Instead, use the designated drop off areas or consider a spot a bit farther away from school that is easily accessible and safe.


The above tips are crucial in maintaining a safe school zone. According to CAA poll, nearly 25 per cent of drivers reported witnessing a near miss or collision in a school zone, more than half of which involved a child. The poll also revealed 70 per cent of Canadians said they have witnessed someone speeding in a school zone.


CAA supports safety in school zones through the CAA School Safety Patrol® program. The program was developed to protect, educate and empower elementary school children on safe road-crossing practices.

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3 min

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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