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MEDIA RELEASE: More than potholes: The annual CAA Worst Roads campaign includes poor design, unsafe conditions

Mar 21, 2023

3 min


Voting is now open to all Manitobans – including pedestrians, transit users and cyclists - to have their say on the province’s “worst road.”


As CAA’s annual Worst Roads campaign begins, the safety-oriented organization encourages Manitobans to vote on more than just potholes.


“Potholes make a road bad; however, our Worst Roads campaign is about so much more,” says Tim Scott, president CAA Manitoba.


Voters who head to the website can vote for a road based on a lack of sidewalks and bike paths, congestion, poor traffic signal timing and more.


“Fixing potholes and regular road maintenance is important,” says Scott. “No matter how Manitobans use their roads, they should be able to do it safely, meaning we need to consider all road infrastructure and traffic issues.”


With that in mind, CAA Manitoba is launching its largest awareness campaign around the issue of poor infrastructure. Voting for the province’s “Worst Road” opens to all Manitobans today.


“Provincial Road 307 in Whiteshell Provincial Park was voted the worst road in 2022. It earned the top spot due to constant winter heaving, poor patching and its tendency to flood nearly every spring. The road was underwater for weeks last year, including when it was announced the ‘winner.’”


While potholes are still top of mind for most CAA Manitoba Members, a new survey shows that 82 per cent of Members believe not enough is being done to maintain roads in their area in general, and 64 per cent believe the roads in their area have become worse over time.


The survey also showed that 53 per cent of Member respondents believe there is a lack of pedestrian access on roads, and 57 per cent cited that a lack of cycling infrastructure is also a significant concern.


However, there have been some notable success stories:


Taylor Avenue and Empress Street

Both streets were constants on CAA Manitoba’s Worst Roads list but have since fallen off. In the past few years, extensive rehabilitation, as well as repairs and replacements for the roads, have been completed.


Empress Street is now home to some of the best-in-city bicycle and active transportation paths that are separated from the road and protect cyclists and drivers alike from harm.


Saskatchewan Avenue, Winnipeg

Taking the second-place spot in the Worst Roads list in 2022, a large part of Saskatchewan Avenue, from Route 90 to Midland Avenue, was recently replaced. The improvements included new sidewalks and accessibility features.

However, the westernmost part of Saskatchewan Avenue is still in considerable disrepair.


For more than a decade, CAA’s Worst Roads campaign has given decision-makers a snapshot of the public’s perception of the roads in their communities.


Last year’s “winners” included:

1. Provincial Road 307

2. Saskatchewan Avenue, Wpg

3. Waller Avenue, Wpg

4. Provincial Trunk Hwy 34, Pilot Mound

5. 18th Street, Brandon

6. Provincial Trunk Hwy 44, Lockport to Whiteshell

7. Leila Avenue, Wpg

8. Kenaston Boulevard, Wpg

9. Dawson Road North, Wpg

10. Goulet Street, Wpg


If you want to see your worst road make the list, visit www.caaworstroads.com to cast your vote. Voting is open to all residents of Manitoba, and you can vote daily.


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MEDIA RELEASE: New CAA Study Sheds Light on Edible Cannabis and Collision Risk Among Young Drivers

A recent study with funding support from CAA, conducted by the University of Saskatchewan, examined 50 drivers aged 19 to 30 to assess how consuming edible cannabis influences collision risk among young drivers. This demographic, which is known for having a higher tendency to engage in risky driving behaviour, currently holds the highest crash rates nationwide. “This study marks an important first step in understanding how cannabis edibles impact driving performance,” says Michael Stewart, Community Relations Consultant for CAA South Central Ontario. “Too often, decisions about whether someone is fit to drive are made in the moment, relying on judgment rather than evidence. Cannabis impairment studies like this are essential. Each one brings new learnings that help us refine our approach and ensure that safety is never left to chance.” The findings indicate that critical driving skills, including reaction time, lane discipline, and speed control, were impaired. Consumption times may vary to feel the effects of edible cannabis from driver to driver. However, the study found that impairment was most evident at 90 minutes after consumption, so its effects may not be noticeable until a motorist is already behind the wheel. When asked if they felt safe to drive after consuming edibles, only four per cent felt safe getting behind the wheel 90 minutes after eating an edible cannabis product. What is interesting about this is that in a controlled environment, young drivers feel unsafe driving under the influence of cannabis. However, a recent survey of 1,510 Ontario drivers from CAA SCO shows that drivers often have a false sense of confidence when they have driven high in the past. The perception of safety doesn’t match reality The survey found that the number of people admitting to cannabis-impaired driving in Ontario (nearly 20 per cent) has remained stable compared to last year. However, a concerning trend has emerged, with more cannabis-impaired drivers (78 per cent) saying they are confident in their driving abilities while under the influence – a 13 per cent overall increase from 2021. Why is this concerning? The perception of safety doesn’t match reality. More than a third of cannabis-impaired drivers acknowledged feeling high while driving, relying on their personal judgment for signs of impairment, such as drowsiness, slowed reaction time, or brain fog. “This misplaced confidence can lead to dangerous decisions, increasing the risk of collisions and endangering road users,” adds Stewart. “We must recognize that getting behind the wheel is not just a personal choice it’s a responsibility that affects the safety of everyone on our roads.” Growing issue of poly-use The research also points to a growing issue of poly-use, or the consumption of multiple substances and is on the rise. This trend adds another layer of complexity to road safety efforts, as the combined effects of different substances can further impair judgment and reaction times. Most respondents (57 per cent) say they consume cannabis in combination with other substances – most commonly, alcohol. However, painkillers, psilocybin, ecstasy, and MDMA are on the rise. CAA SCO continues to advocate for safer roads by encouraging motorists to make responsible choices. The message is clear: do not get behind the wheel when impaired. “While we’re all aware that alcohol-impaired driving can be dangerous, we should also take the same attitude towards cannabis-impaired driving,” says Stewart. “With the holiday season coming up, cannabis can be consumed legally and responsibly but should never be used when driving.” CAA is asking that those who do consume cannabis, alcohol or other drugs to plan ahead by making alternate arrangements, such as a designated driver or using a rideshare service, to get home safely this holiday season. Methodology The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from June 27 to July 14, 2025, with 1,510 Ontario drivers aged 19 and older. Based on the sample size of n=1,510 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.) Methodology of the University of Saskatchewan study The study collected extensive data from 50 young adult drivers (aged 19–30), resulting in 250 assessments across multiple realistic driving scenarios using a simulator after consuming a 10mg THC edible.

3 min

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Survey Reveals Substance Use, Particularly Cannabis, is on the Rise Both Recreationally and Behind the Wheel

New findings from a recent survey conducted by CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) highlight a concerning trend: substance use, particularly cannabis, is on the rise both recreationally and behind the wheel. “Cannabis is more accessible than ever, and that means more Manitobans are not only choosing to drive after consuming it but are also getting behind the wheel soon after and expressing increased confidence in their ability to do so,” says Ewald Friesen, manager, government & community relations for CAA Manitoba. The data shows that 24 per cent of drivers admitted to consuming cannabis before driving, which is up six per cent from last year, while ten per cent of Manitobans reported driving after consuming cannabis in the past few months, a three per cent increase from 2024. Among cannabis-impaired drivers, most (63 per cent) say they drove within three hours of consumption, which is up 10 per cent from last year. Over a third of cannabis-impaired drivers acknowledged feeling high while driving. In addition to the survey conducted by CAA MB, a recent study with funding support from CAA, conducted by the University of Saskatchewan, examined 50 drivers aged 19 to 30 to assess how consuming edible cannabis influences collision risk. This age group of young drivers, identified as having the highest crash rates and a greater tendency toward risky driving behaviour, offers new insights into the impact of cannabis on driving. Drivers often have a false sense of confidence when driving high. This study examined how consuming edible cannabis affects collision risk. Findings indicate that critical driving skills, including reaction time, lane discipline, and speed control, were impaired even shortly after consumption. Contrary to popular belief that cannabis edibles take hours to take effect, this study shows that impairment is evident 90 minutes after consumption. When asked if they felt safe to drive after consuming edibles, only four per cent felt safe getting behind the wheel 90 minutes after eating an edible cannabis product. What is interesting about this is that in a controlled environment, young drivers feel unsafe driving under the influence of cannabis. However, the study conducted by CAA MB shows that drivers often have a false sense of confidence when they have driven high in the past. “This study marks an important first step in understanding how cannabis edibles impact driving performance,” adds says Friesen. “Too often, decisions about whether someone is fit to drive are made in the moment, relying on judgment rather than evidence. Cannabis impairment studies like this are essential. Each one brings new learnings that help us refine our approach and ensure that safety is never left to chance.” According to CAA Manitoba’s data, more drivers have reported feeling confident in their driving ability (77 per cent), which is up ten per cent from 2024. More drivers this year (33 per cent) also say that they are unsure about how much cannabis is needed for effects to kick in, up six per cent from 2024. Alarmingly enough, more than half of Manitobans are unaware that the penalties associated with driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances are the same. “Drivers may face enhanced roadside sanctions, including an administrative penalty of $700, vehicle impoundment, mandatory Ignition Interlock participation for one year, an impaired driver assessment and movement of 10 levels down the Driver Safety Rating scale,” says Friesen. “Depending on the severity of convictions, impaired drivers may be charged further under the Criminal Code of Canada.”  This holiday season, CAA Manitoba is asking that those who do consume cannabis, alcohol or other drugs to plan ahead by making alternate arrangements, such as a designated driver or using a rideshare service, to get home safely.   Methodology CAA MB The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from June 27 to July 14, 2025, with 514 Manitoba drivers aged 19 and older. Based on the sample size of n=514 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/- 3%.) Methodology of University of Saskatchewan study The study collected extensive data from 50 young adult drivers (aged 19–30), resulting in 250 assessments across multiple realistic driving scenarios using a simulator after consuming a 10mg THC edible.

3 min

MEDIA RELEASE: Winter Weather Arrives Ahead of Schedule: CAA, MTO, OPP, and Toronto Police Service team up to share winter road safety tips.

Ready or not, winter weather has decided to make an early cameo! So, the question is: are you actually ready for winter driving? CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO), Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and Toronto Police Service (TPS) have joined forces to encourage Ontario drivers to get ready now for the cold and snowy weather, before the next unexpected snow event hits. “Now is the ideal time for motorists to install winter tires, check their car battery, and ensure they have an emergency car kit packed,” says Nadia Matos, manager of external communications, CAA SCO. “These simple steps can help motorists confidently navigate winter roads. Ontario weather can be unpredictable, and snowstorms can hit without much notice, so it’s always best to ensure your vehicle is prepared beforehand.” Besides vehicle preparedness, driver behaviour is just as critical in ensuring safe driving operations in winter weather. “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” says Sergeant Murray Campbell of the Toronto Police Service. “As daylight hours shorten and visibility decreases, we encourage all road users to stay alert, watch out for one another, adjust their driving to match weather conditions, keep their vehicle lights on, and plan ahead to accommodate longer travel times.” This year, the organizations are focused on protecting motorists who may be caught in unexpected winter weather. “We always encourage motorists to drive according to the road and weather conditions,” says Sergeant Kerry Schmidt of the Ontario Provincial Police. “Drivers should also slow down and move over when approaching stopped emergency vehicles and tow trucks with their emergency lights flashing while they are assisting vehicles and motorists in need of help. It is also unsafe and illegal to try to pass a full echelon of snowplows that are clearing all lanes of a highway during winter events.” Before heading out on the road this winter, MTO encourages motorists to 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, motorists can also follow these additional safety tips: • Install winter tires for better traction. On cold and snowy roads, winter tires can help reduce your braking distance by up to 25 per cent. Members can call CAA before Dec. 20 to have our mobile tire service change them at home for a fee. • 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. • Always keep your gas tank at least half full. Cold weather causes condensation in the system, which can lead to a fuel line freeze-up and prevent the 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.

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