Advocacy
Since CAA Saskatchewan first opened its doors in 1917, the association has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of motorists and travellers, working with provincial and federal governments and other parties to ensure safer drivers on safer roads in safer vehicles.
We represent Members' interests in the area of highways infrastructure at the provincial and national level, and aim to focus public awareness on topical issues, such as senior drivers, distracted driving, fatigued driving, eco-driving and vehicle/bike safety.
CAA has also partnered with AJAC (Automotive Journalists Association of Canada) on a number of initiatives, including the Annual CAA Road Safety Journalism Award and Test Drive Magazine.
Infrastructure
To help advocate for better roads, CAA Saskatchewan participates with other CAA clubs across Canada in a Worst Roads campaign, during which drivers are encouraged to vote for the worst road they've travelled on in the province.
Traffic Safety
Winter Driving: CAA works with organizations like Transport Canada to help promote safe winter driving tips. Remember to pack a vehicle emergency kit.
School Zone Safety: CAA Saskatchewan coordinates the School Safety Patrol Program across the province.
Tow Truck Safety: CAA Saskatchewan worked with the provincial government to have tow trucks added to the section of the Traffic Safety Act which requires drivers to slow to 60 km/h when passing emergency vehicles providing assistance to motorists on the side of the road. The fine for failing to slow down is $140 minimum.
Distracted Driving: CAA Saskatchewan encourages drivers to eliminate all distractions when behind the wheel and has launched a number of initiatives to address the issue, such as:
- International Distracted Driving conference. The Ontario Provincial Police produced a PSA based on findings from the conferences.
- Distracted Driving website
- Eight educational videos (produced by AAA) on how to avoid common distractions when driving.
DriveRight, Online Driving Resource for Teens and Parents: CAA recognizes the critical requirement for young drivers to start their driving careers off on the right foot. As a comprehensive guide for new drivers and their parents, DriveRight features useful reminders, tips, questions and do’s and don’ts that parents and new drivers can refer to throughout the learning-to-drive process.
In recent public opinion research conducted exclusively for CAA, 46 per cent of Canadians say they learned how to drive primarily from a family member – and an identical percentage said parents are not good teachers. Eight in ten respondents said there was a need for a site that talks to both teens and parents about learning to drive.
One of the unique aspects of the site is a downloadable parent-teen agreement to help both sides talk together about their mutual rights and responsibilities as drivers. CAA believes this discussion is critical to getting the family driving relationship off on the right foot. The agreement, which can be added to, signed or simply discussed at the kitchen table, is designed to help spark that conversation. This is one example of how DriveRight will help prepare a new generation of young drivers to be safe.
DriveRight.... sparking the conversation about responsible, safe driving!
Aging Driver Safety: CAA supports keeping seniors driving for as long as safely possible through a variety of initiatives:
- CAA Saskatchewan supports the 55 Alive driving course offered by the Saskatchewan Safety Council.
- CAA National Public Affairs commissioned a white paper on Senior Drivers and Highway Design.
- AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety partnered with the company Posit Science to offer a brain fitness software program called DriveSharpTM to CAA/AAA Members at a special price. Using the program can help cut your risk of being in a collision by up to 50%. Roadwise Review is available online or receive a DVD copy (available for PC's only) by calling 306.791.4314.
- CAA/AAA also offer tips on how to help ensure your car fits right with the CarFit Program.
Impaired Driving: CAA Saskatchewan supports the Students Against Drinking and Driving (SADD) Red Ribbon Campaign, distributing the ribbons through our offices and tow truck drivers. We also distribute informational material through our offices.
Halloween Safety: CAA Saskatchewan distributes bookmarks displaying Halloween safety tips through schools and our 12 regional offices.
Download the Plan Ahead This Halloween bookmark
E-Safety: CAA informs consumers on the newest technologies aimed at improving vehicle safety, including Electronic Stability Control (ESS).
Informational Materials: CAA Saskatchewan distributes a variety of brochures, including:
- Distractions in Driving
- Winter Driving - You, your vehicle and winter driving
- The Older & Wiser Driver
- Car Fit
- Drivers 65 Plus: Check Your Own Performance
- What You Can Do to Conserve Fuel and Reduce Emission
- Busting Myths about Fuel Efficiency and Driving
- How to Avoid Drowsy Driving
- SMASHED A Sober Look at Drinking and Driving
Other Links