Since 2003, CAA’s annual Worst Roads campaign has influenced change. Repaving and repair work has been done on many of the roads on Ontario’s Worst Roads list, with more to come, reports CAA South Central Ontario. (CNW Group/CAA South Central Ontario)
Voting is now open for the annual CAA Worst Roads campaign. The annual program gives citizens an opportunity to voice concerns about the bad roads in their communities.
“Our research shows that 65 per cent of members don’t feel enough is being done to fix the roads,” stated Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice-president of government and community relations for CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO). “This is causing a variety of concerning driving behaviours, including swerving to avoid potholes, slowing down for bad spots, and some even changing their route altogether to avoid a bad road. We encourage all Ontarians to vote for their worst roads and join the community of drivers, cyclists, transit riders and pedestrians committed to improving and actively working to help make our roads safer for all.”
According to a survey conducted by CAA SCO, 84 per cent of members worry about the state of the roads, with 42 per cent experiencing vehicle damage due to poor roads. Despite this, 82 per cent pay out of pocket to repair their vehicles, while only four per cent file a claim with insurance, and nine per cent forgo repairs altogether.
“Either because of affordability or availability, many people are holding on to their cars a little longer these days; the last thing they want is expensive repair bills on an already stretched household budget,” added Di Felice. “While inflation rates are cooling, many of us are dealing with a higher cost of living, making the investment in roads and supporting infrastructure more important than ever.”
Vehicle damage caused by potholes can range from $500 to over $2,000, with the average repair by those surveyed costing $852.
“We know that the campaign works and that decision-makers are listening. Since its inception in 2003, we have seen road repairs move up and budgets prioritized,” said Di Felice. “The CAA Worst Roads campaign has been a vital platform for Ontarians to nominate and vote for roads they believe need urgent attention. It covers issues like congestion, potholes, road signs, and traffic light timing for pedestrian and cycling safety.”
Ontario’s top 10 list is verified by the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO) and their members, including the Greater Toronto Sewer and Watermain Contractors Association (GTSWCA), Heavy Construction Association of Toronto (HCAT), and the Toronto and Area Road Builders Association (TARBA).
“RCCAO is a proud partner and supporter of this year’s CAA Worst Roads advocacy campaign, giving Ontarians a platform to raise awareness about the state of vital road infrastructure in their communities,” said Nadia Todorova, executive director of RCCAO.
Worst Roads nominations for Ontario, as well as for Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, can be submitted online at www.caaworstroads.com.
