Featured Post from CAA Club Group

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Manitoba Survey Reveals Alarming Data on Cannabis-Impaired Driving in Manitoba

Apr 17, 2024

2 min

Ewald Friesen


CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) is encouraging Manitoba drivers to remain vigilant this month by driving responsibly – and sober. In a recent survey conducted by CAA Manitoba, alarming data highlights concerns related to cannabis-impaired driving, particularly involving edibles. Key findings from the 2023 survey found that since legalization, a third of cannabis-impaired drivers (27 per cent) in Manitoba have driven a vehicle after consuming an edible form of cannabis.


“The data shows us that there is a significant number of impaired drivers under the influence of edible cannabis, which poses a great risk to road safety,” says Ewald Friesen, community and government relations manager at CAA Manitoba. “Edibles pose a greater risk for impairment and road safety since they can often take up to two hours for the effects to kick in.”


According to the survey, 61 per cent of cannabis-impaired drivers in Manitoba wait less than three hours before getting behind the wheel. Due to the prolonged absorption of edible cannabis, the potential for drivers to get behind the wheel before they even realize they are beginning to feel the effects poses a serious risk to road safety.


The data shows that 89 per cent of Manitoba drivers agree that driving under the influence of cannabis is a serious risk to road safety. However, 67 per cent of cannabis-impaired drivers feel confident in their ability to drive.


“While some believe that cannabis doesn’t impair their driving ability, it has been proven to affect coordination, reaction time, decision-making and the ability to pay attention. We would like to see more public education and awareness on the risks of cannabis-impaired driving,” says Friesen.


More than half of Manitoba drivers (64 per cent) believe that cannabis-impaired driving is the most important public education topic related to cannabis – more than education on health risks (63 per cent) and health risks for youth under 25 (59 per cent).


Despite the concern for road safety and driving impairment, 21 per cent of Manitoba drivers are not aware of the penalties that could be faced for any type of impaired driving. According to Manitoba Public Insurance, this can include an immediate 24-hour licence suspension with a maximum of 60 days upon further testing, a $400 vehicle impoundment of three days, a mandatory Impaired Driver Assessment at the driver’s expense and potential charges under the Criminal Code of Canada.


CAA is encouraging motorists to get informed, know the rules, and make the right choices – don’t get behind the wheel when impaired. Instead, make alternate arrangements, such as utilizing rideshare services, to ensure a safe journey home.


Dig Insights conducted an online survey on behalf of CAA Manitoba between June 22 to July 5, 2023, of 500 Manitoba drivers aged 19-75 who had access to a vehicle. Based on the sample size and the confidence level (95 per cent), the margin of error for this study was +/- 3 per cent.


Connect with:
Ewald Friesen

Ewald Friesen

Manager, Government and Community Relations

Ewald manages CAA's advocacy and community relations efforts in Manitoba.

Congestion ManagementSchool Zone SafetyRoad SafetyGovernment & Community RelationsPolicy Advocacy
Powered by

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from CAA Club Group

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Manitoba survey finds rising gas prices are impacting how Manitobans drive, travel and spend this summer featured image

3 min

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Manitoba survey finds rising gas prices are impacting how Manitobans drive, travel and spend this summer

Rising gas prices are having a real impact on how Manitobans manage their daily routines and summer plans, according to a new survey from CAA Manitoba. The survey found that about six in ten Manitobans say higher fuel costs are affecting their day-to-day lives, with many cutting back on driving and adjusting spending to make ends meet. “Manitobans are making thoughtful choices to stretch their budgets, whether that’s driving a little less, planning trips more carefully or finding ways to save at the pump,” says Ewald Friesen, manager, government & community relations for CAA Manitoba. Many respondents said they begin to rethink their habits when gas prices reach around $2.10 per litre, a point where costs start to influence decisions about how and when they travel. The most common changes include driving less for everyday needs (35 per cent), cutting spending in other areas (23 per cent), and reducing or eliminating some activities entirely (23 per cent). Summer travel is still a priority, with adjustments Despite higher fuel costs, road trips remain a popular choice this summer, with more than seven in ten Manitobans planning to hit the road. However, nearly six in ten say rising gas prices are likely to influence those plans, prompting many to take fewer trips, travel shorter distances or adjust their budgets. “Travel is still important to Manitobans, especially during the summer months, but people are being more mindful about how they plan those trips,” adds Friesen. Saving at the pump is becoming a priority for Manitobans Manitobans are also actively looking for ways to manage fuel costs. The survey shows that most drivers are taking steps to save money on gas, with many turning to loyalty programs, comparing prices at different stations, or using apps to find the best deal. More than half say they are also considering alternative ways to get around more often, such as walking, cycling, or using transit where possible. Simple tips to stretch your fuel budget: CAA Manitoba encourages drivers to take simple steps to improve fuel efficiency and make the most of every tank, especially during busy summer travel months: Plan routes in advance to avoid backtracking and unnecessary mileage: Plan the most efficient route to your destination and avoid backtracking and unnecessary mileage.   Remove extra weight from your vehicle: Reducing your vehicle’s weight can help improve your fuel efficiency when on trips.     Avoid leaving your rooftop luggage carriers or bike racks on your vehicles when you are not using them: Items on top of the car significantly increase aerodynamic drag, reducing fuel economy.   Control your speed: Fuel consumption starts to increase above 90-105 km/h. For long stretches of road ahead, use cruise control to maintain your speed to save fuel.  Drive conservatively: If you find yourself stuck in long weekend traffic, avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking, which can lower fuel economy by 15 to 30 per cent at highway speeds and 10 to 40 per cent in stop-and-go traffic.  Keep up with regular car maintenance: Underinflated tires increase fuel consumption by up to four per cent. With regular maintenance services, you can help your vehicle run more efficiently. Take advantage of reward programs and tools to find lower prices: CAA members save three cents per litre when they load their membership card in the Shell app or use it at the pump.  “These small actions can add up over time and help make driving more affordable,” says Friesen. CAA Manitoba continues to advocate for drivers by sharing timely information and practical advice to help Manitobans navigate rising costs and stay mobile year-round.

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA survey finds 98 per cent of Manitoba drivers have witnessed dangerous driving behaviours on Manitoba roads featured image

3 min

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA survey finds 98 per cent of Manitoba drivers have witnessed dangerous driving behaviours on Manitoba roads

Nearly all Manitoba drivers have witnessed dangerous driving on the roads in the past year, yet many do not believe they contribute to the problem, according to a new survey by CAA Manitoba. The findings show that 98 per cent of Manitoba drivers have observed dangerous driving behaviours, including speeding (83 per cent), distracted driving (75 per cent) and unsafe lane changes (74 per cent). However, 59 per cent admit they have engaged in at least one dangerous driving behaviour themselves, revealing a significant disconnect between what drivers see and how they assess their own actions behind the wheel. Most Drivers See Dangerous Behaviour, Fewer Admit to It “Most drivers can easily identify unsafe behaviour in others, but many don't recognize when they're doing it themselves,” says Ewald Friesen, manager, government and community relations, CAA Manitoba. “Improving road safety starts with honest self-reflection. Every driver has a role to play in making Manitoba roads safer.” Speeding remains the most common dangerous driving behaviour reported by Manitoba drivers. Four in 10 drivers admit to speeding, while more than one-third of those who speed say they regularly travel 10 to 19 km/h above the posted limit. The survey also found that 65 per cent of drivers say they slow down when they realize they are speeding, suggesting awareness can help influence behaviour. Distracted driving continues to be a major concern. According to a separate survey conducted by CAA Manitoba, nearly half of Manitoba drivers say they have been distracted while driving at some point, and 15 per cent report being involved in a collision caused by distracted driving. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of crash linked to distraction. In many cases, those affected were not the distracted drivers themselves, highlighting the broader consequences these behaviours can have on other road users. “Distracted driving is entirely preventable,” said Friesen. “Whether it's checking a notification, adjusting a device, eating, or grooming, by taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds, the consequences can be sudden and life-altering. Staying focused behind the wheel protects not only you, but everyone around you.” Drivers Support Stronger Enforcement and Penalties Manitobans strongly support enforcement measures aimed at improving road safety. The survey found that 88 per cent support current fines and penalties related to speeding, while 64 per cent believe stricter penalties would help discourage speeding. More than one-third of drivers say existing penalties have already influenced how they drive. As Manitobans prepare for the upcoming long weekend, CAA Manitoba is encouraging drivers to stay focused, alert and aware behind the wheel. For more information about road safety advocacy and research, visit caamanitoba.com/advocacy. Speeding and Dangerous Driving Behaviour Survey Methodology: The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from March 10 to March 20, 2026, with 503 Manitoba drivers aged 18 and older. Based on the sample size of n=503 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/- 3%.) Distracted Driving Survey Methodology: The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from February 3 to February 13, 2026, 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%.)

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA survey finds 96 per cent of Ontario drivers have witnessed dangerous driving behaviours on Ontario roads featured image

3 min

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA survey finds 96 per cent of Ontario drivers have witnessed dangerous driving behaviours on Ontario roads

Nearly every Ontario driver has witnessed dangerous driving in the past year, yet many do not believe they contribute to the problem, according to a new survey from CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO). The survey found that 96 per cent of Ontario drivers have observed dangerous driving behaviours, including speeding (78 per cent), aggressive driving (69 per cent), unsafe lane changes (68 per cent) and distracted driving (67 per cent). However, only 57 per cent admit to engaging in at least one dangerous driving behaviour, revealing a disconnect between what drivers see on the road and how they assess their own actions. This number rises to 62 per cent among drivers aged 18 to 34. Most Drivers See Dangerous Behaviour, Fewer Admit to It “Most Ontario drivers can identify dangerous behaviours when they see them, but many don't realize they may be contributing to the problem themselves,” says Michael Stewart, community relations consultant, CAA South Central Ontario. “The good news is that small changes in driver behaviour can make a big difference. By slowing down, staying focused and making safe choices behind the wheel, we can help create safer roads for everyone.” Speeding remains the most common dangerous driving behaviour reported by Ontario drivers. More than one-third (38 per cent) admit to speeding, with more than half of those drivers say they typically travel 10 to 19 km/h above the speed limit. Even small increases in speed can significantly increase the likelihood and severity of collisions. Many drivers may not realize that fines increase depending on how far over the speed limit they are travelling and can be doubled in community safety zones. Encouragingly, most Ontarians say they slow down when they realize they are speeding, suggesting awareness and education can play an important role in changing behaviour. According to the data, 87 per cent of drivers also support the fines and penalties for speeding, and 37 per cent claim that penalties and fines affected their driving behaviour in the past year. Distracted Driving Also Remains a Serious Concern Across the Province A separate survey conducted by CAA SCO found that 16 per cent of Ontario drivers have been involved in a collision caused by distracted driving, a figure that has gradually increased in recent years. Rear-end collisions remain the most common type of crash associated with distraction, according to this study. “Distracted driving is preventable, yet it continues to put lives at risk every day,” says Stewart. “Whether it’s checking a notification, interacting with in-vehicle technology or taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds, the consequences can be devastating. The safest choice is to stay focused on driving.” As Ontarians prepare for the upcoming long weekend, CAA South Central Ontario is encouraging drivers to stay focused, alert and aware behind the wheel. For more information about road safety advocacy and research, visit www.caasco.com/advocacy Speeding and Dangerous Driving Behaviour Survey Methodology: The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from March 10 to March 20, 2026, with 1,504 Ontario drivers aged 18 and older. Based on the sample size of n=1,504 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.) Distracted Driving Survey Methodology:  The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from February 3 to February 13, 2026, 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%.)

View all posts
Powered by