Taking place on September 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Myers Cadillac/Chevrolet/Buick/GMC, 1200 Baseline Rd. (at Merivale), the clinic will be hosted by S.E.A.T.S. for Kids Canada, a not-for-profit organization whose objective is to increase and promote the proper use of child restraint systems. The Car Seat Inspection Clinic gives community members access to nationally certified volunteers from S.E.A.T.S. for Kids, as well as information on automotive safety and proper car seat installation. Certified inspectors will be on site to ensure that all child car seats are properly installed and inspected.

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation requires that children under the age of eight, who weigh less than 36 kg (80 lb) and stand less than 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall are properly secured in the appropriate child safety or booster seat.

Properly installed car seats can greatly reduce the instances of children being injured in collisions. According to Transport Canada, 10,000 children under the age of 12 are injured in car crashes every year.

"CAA North & East Ontario is dedicated to promoting safe travel for everyone, and ensuring the safety of child passengers is a top priority," said Korey Kennedy, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for CAANEO. "These Car Seat Inspection Clinics are an ideal forum for interested motorists to gain valuable information regarding how to properly install a car seat and ensure that their most important cargo is buckled up safely."

Although this walk-in Car Seat Inspection Clinic is free and open to anyone on a first-come, first-served basis, S.E.A.T.S. for Kids Canada would greatly appreciate a minimum donation of $20 per car seat inspection.

For more information, visit the S.E.A.T.S. for Kids Canada website, at www.seatsforkidscanada.com.

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CAANEO is currently ranked first in Canada for overall customer satisfaction of Automotive Services and fourth out of 57 auto clubs in North America.

"CAA North & East Ontario is incredibly proud of these results, and of the efforts of our team who continue to go above and beyond to meet the needs of our Members," said Christina Hlusko, Vice President of Operations for CAANEO.

The quality standards rankings are compiled based on monthly customer satisfaction surveys completed by the more than 50 million Members of CAA and AAA throughout North America. Members are asked to rate their level of satisfaction based on the service they received from their respective CAA or AAA Club.

For more than 100 years, the Canadian Automobile Association has provided Travel, Emergency Road Services, Insurance and Advocacy for its Members.

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The program consisted of multiple checkpoints set up between 10:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. throughout the Sudbury area on Friday, September 2. CAANEO staff members were also on site to distribute tire gauges and CAANEO discount vouchers as a token of appreciation to all non-impaired drivers.

While approximately 1300 vehicles were stopped at the designated checkpoints, participating officers with the Greater Sudbury Police Service did not find any motorists to be in violation of impaired driving. This positive outcome of the R.I.D.E program is hopefully an indication that the seriousness of impaired driving is being recognized by local residents.

The participating police officers also used this R.I.D.E program to ensure motorists were abiding recent changes to Ontario's driving laws. Under the most recent change, which took effect December 1, 2010, police officers may impound a vehicle for seven days when a driver is found to have a blood alcohol concentration greater than 80 milligrams, or if the driver fails/refuses to provide a breath sample.

"The Club-sponsored R.I.D.E. program helps to avert the irrevocable damage that all too often is caused by impaired drivers on Sudbury's roads," said Korey Kennedy, Manager of Public & Government Affairs for CAA North & East Ontario. "By being visible and taking a proactive approach to this problem, the Greater Sudbury Police Service and CAA North & East Ontario are continuing to convey the message to motorists that impaired driving is a serious crime with costly consequences."

CAANEO and the Greater Sudbury Police Service remain committed to eliminating impaired driving and believe that local R.I.D.E programs reiterate the seriousness of this matter and the message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

Everyone is asked to make the responsible choice before getting behind the wheel - if you drink, don't drive.

For more than 100 years, the Canadian Automobile Association has provided Travel, Emergency Road Services, Insurance and Advocacy for its Members.

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The program consisted of three checkpoints set up between 10:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. throughout the City of Thunder Bay on Thursday, September 1. CAANEO staff members were also on site to distribute tire gauges and CAANEO discount vouchers as a token of appreciation to all non-impaired drivers.

Approximately 850 vehicles were stopped at the designated checkpoints, which were set up along Memorial Avenue, and several other routes known by police to be frequented by impaired drivers. Officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service who participated in this program handed out two impaired driving charges, three 72-hour licence suspensions, one 24-hour licence suspension and 36 Highway Traffic Act violations.

The participating police officers also used this R.I.D.E program to ensure motorists were abiding by the recent changes to Ontario's driving laws. Under the most recent change, which took effect December 1, 2010, police officers may impound a vehicle for seven days when a driver is found to have a blood alcohol concentration greater than 80 milligrams, or if the driver fails/refuses to provide a breath sample.

"The Club-sponsored R.I.D.E. program helps to prevent the irrevocable damage that all too often is caused by impaired drivers on Thunder Bay's roads," said Korey Kennedy, Manager of Public & Government Affairs for CAA North & East Ontario. "By being visible and taking a proactive approach to this problem, the Thunder Bay Police Service and CAA North & East Ontario are continuing to convey the message to motorists that impaired driving is a serious crime with costly consequences."

CAANEO and the Thunder Bay Police Service remain committed to eliminating impaired driving and believe that local R.I.D.E programs reiterate the seriousness of this matter and the message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

"On behalf of the Thunder Bay Police Service I applaud CAA North & East Ontario for their continuous efforts in helping keep our community safe and alleviate the dangers of impaired driving," said Sgt. Glenn Porter of the Thunder Bay Police Service.

CAA North & East Ontario and the Thunder Bay Police Service ask everyone to make the responsible choice before getting behind the wheel - if you drink, don't drive.

For more than 100 years, the Canadian Automobile Association has provided Travel, Emergency Road Services, Insurance and Advocacy for its Members.

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Failure to stop for a school bus can be a costly decision. For a first offense, drivers face a fine between $400 and $2,000 and the loss of six demerit points off their licence. Each subsequent offence brings fines ranging from $1,000 to $4,000, as well as six demerit points and the possibility of serving up to six months in jail.

Motorists are also reminded that roadways in a designated school zone have a speed limit of 40 km/h. Drivers who exceed this speed limit by 16-29 km/h can lose three demerit points and be forced to pay a fine, while those found to be going 50 km/h over the speed limit will be faced with the loss of six demerit points, a suspended licence and a fine of up to $10,000 under the Safer Roads for a Safer Ontario Act.

Around local schools, watch for CAA School Safety Patrollers wearing bright green vests at crosswalks. The CAA School Safety Patrol Program consists of thousands of patrollers across the country who are dedicated to making sure students have a safe commute to and from school.

"More than 800,000 students in Ontario travel by school bus daily, which is why it is imperative that motorists are aware of the precautions to keep these children safe," said Korey Kennedy, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for CAANEO. "CAA North & East Ontario is committed to promoting safe travels for students and all motorists."

To ensure that students are able to safely return to school, CAANEO urges all motorists to follow these tips:

• Always stop for school buses that are flashing upper red lights
• Drive cautiously and obey the posted speed limits, especially in school zones and residential neighbourhoods
• Watch for school bus and school zone warning signs
• Come to a complete stop at all intersections and watch for children crossing the street
• Be alert for children who might dart out suddenly from between parked vehicles or buildings

For more than 100 years, the Canadian Automobile Association has provided travel, emergency road services, insurance and advocacy for its Members.

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Individuals who are currently scheduled to travel to areas commonly impacted by severe weather during the hurricane season - lasting from early June to late November - are advised to be vigilant by keeping in contact with their travel agent to monitor the status of their travel plans.

Though much attention is often focused on cruise ships during the hurricane season, the technologically advanced weather systems and equipment aboard these ships allow cruise lines to monitor voyage routes and plan around potential weather disturbances in advance. While itineraries may change, the outright cancellation of a cruise due to weather is rare, as they have the advantage over land-based resorts of being mobile and able to work around port closures caused by severe weather conditions.

"The safety of travellers is always at the forefront for CAA North & East Ontario and our travel partners," said Christina Hlusko, Vice President of Travel Services Operations for CAANEO. "Our travel agents are readily available to assist those travelling to potentially affected areas during the hurricane season with any questions they may have about their planned journey."

CAANEO advises travellers with scheduled trips to hurricane-prone areas in the next few months to heed the following tips:

• register your itinerary at the Canadian government office in the country you plan to visit or online at voyage.gc.ca;
• provide family and friends in Canada with copies of your travel documents, including passport identification page, travel insurance plan, itinerary, and accommodations;
• purchase travel insurance that will specifically cover trip cancellation or interruption in the event of a hurricane;
• confirm the status of your travel arrangements prior to leaving;
• while travelling, monitor local news and weather reports. Always pay attention to the advice of local authorities and tour operators;
• before you leave, regularly check the federal government's travel reports and warnings website at travel.gc.ca for essential information on your destination.

CAA Members planning to travel to vulnerable areas this hurricane season are invited to contact one of CAA North & East Ontario's travel professionals regarding any questions they may have by calling 1-800-267-8713 or visit caaneo.ca/locations to find a Travel Store location.

For more than 100 years, the Canadian Automobile Association has provided travel, emergency road services, insurance and advocacy for its Members.

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Regardless of the municipality's size, residents have used this annual campaign as a way to voice their concerns about crumbling infrastructure in their respective communities.

This year, we're putting the Worst Roads campaign in park. The campaign will return in 2012 during the spring thaw when roadways are in their worst state and in need of the most attention as a result of the harsh winter weather conditions. This brief hiatus will allow CAA North & East Ontario to update and improve upon the highly-anticipated campaign.

Since its inception, the campaign has seen tremendous success, with 90% of the roads nominated to the annual list being repaired or scheduled to be repaired in the foreseeable future. In 2012, we will be seeking the public's input once again with the goal of ensuring that the senior levels of government continue to provide additional funding to assist municipalities in improving their decaying infrastructure. Ultimately, we want next year's campaign to be the most successful to date.

Last year, six roadways from North & East Ontario municipalities made the Top 20 list of Ontario's Worst Roads, with Pelican Falls Road in Sioux Lookout claiming the top spot.

For more than 100 years, the Canadian Automobile Association has provided travel, emergency road services, insurance and advocacy for its Members.

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The 2011 Driving Costs brochure explains the true costs of vehicle ownership, including fuel, maintenance, and depreciation. To help illustrate how these costs correspond to different types of vehicles, the guide provides approximate costs for owning 2011 models of a representative small sedan, a minivan, and a hybrid vehicle. The brochure allows for consumers to calculate their own total annual driving costs based on national averages and approximate figures.

"Driving is one of the largest expenses for most people and we want consumers to have the necessary tools to be able to understand their real costs," says Jeff Walker, vice president, public affairs.

Walker points out that while the costs of driving may be high, consumers do have tools to keep costs down. These include comparing the prices of competitors for automotive services and parts, and adopting driving habits that will save fuel.

"By changing the way you drive just a bit, you can reduce your fuel consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save money," says Walker.

For fuel saving driving tips and to access CAA's 2011 Driving Costs brochure, please visit CAA.ca.

CAA's 2011 Driving Costs brochure is based on data from Runzheimer International Inc., a management consulting firm dealing in business vehicle allowance programs and fleet consulting services.

CAA is a federation of nine clubs providing more than 5.6 million Members with exceptional emergency roadside service, complete automotive and travel services, member savings and comprehensive insurance services. CAA also advocates on issues of concern to its members, including road safety, the environment, mobility, infrastructure and consumer protection.

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Three previous R.I.D.E programs were held on Saturday, June 18, Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25. In total, the four R.I.D.E programs stopped approximately 2,250 vehicles, resulting in three impaired driving charges, 14 three-day suspensions, one 24-hour suspension, three charges for drug possession, and several Highway Traffic Act violations.

"These additional R.I.D.E programs that our Club has co-sponsored with the IRSP have proven to be a resounding success with removing motorists from our local roadways who make the decision to drink and drive," said Korey Kennedy, Manager of Public & Government Affairs for CAANEO. "The unfortunate aspect is that R.I.D.E programs continue to be needed, as many individuals still ignore the risks and repercussions associated with driving while impaired. CAA North & East Ontario, the IRSP and the Ottawa Police Service will continue to take a proactive approach to eliminating impaired driving by getting the message across to all motorists that we are doing our utmost to address and eradicate this issue."

Though the success of these R.I.D.E programs is obvious, impaired driving remains a serious and often deadly problem on Ottawa's roads. In 2009, 381 impaired driving-related collisions occurred on Ottawa roadways, resulting in nine deaths and 175 injuries, 22 of them serious. Of those impaired drivers, 84 percent were male and 32 percent were between the ages of 16 and 24. According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, drinking and driving accounts for nearly 25% of all fatalities on Ontario roads, with 2,000 lives lost and more than 50,000 injuries sustained over the past 10 years as a result of impaired driving.

"These R.I.D.E programs provide us with an opportunity to continue our focus on deterring individuals who might think to get behind the wheel after drinking," said Jerry Thomas, Road Safety Co-ordinator for the City of Ottawa. "Collaborating with community partners is one of the best ways to create a visual presence to let the public know that impaired driving will not be tolerated."

CAA North & East Ontario, the IRSP and the Ottawa Police Service remind everyone to make the right choice this summer – if you drink, don't drive.

For more than 100 years, the Canadian Automobile Association has provided travel, emergency road services, insurance and advocacy for its Members.

Formed in 2003, the IRSP is a partnership between the Ottawa Police Service and the municipal departments of Public Works and Ottawa Public Health. The program is committed to using available resources to make Ottawa roads safer for residents.

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"Summer driving can sometimes be just as precarious as winter driving. With a significant increase in the number of pedestrians, cars, trucks, bicycles and motorcycles on the road, drivers must be extremely vigilant at all times," said Korey Kennedy, Manager of Public & Government Affairs for CAANEO. "CAA North & East Ontario is committed to providing motorists with safety tips that will help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer season."

CAANEO offers the following tips for staying safe on the roadways this summer:

• Warmer weather means an increased presence of cyclists and motorcyclists on the roads. Remember to keep an eye out for these smaller vehicles, which can sometimes be more difficult to spot.
• As more pedestrians will be out enjoying the sun, motorists need to take care to drive slowly through residential areas and watch for activity on the side of the road.
• Our summer season is also construction season on Ontario roads and highways. Take care in construction zones; be prepared to stop or slow down and always be aware of workers on the side of the road.
• When packing the vehicle for your summer getaway, make sure that any camping or outdoor equipment is securely tied down and that none of the gear reduces your visibility.
• Getting together with family and friends is a common and favourite occurrence during the summer months. If you plan to have a few alcoholic drinks at a pool party or barbecue, make arrangements to get home safely - be it by designating a driver, taking a cab, or using public transportation. Use common sense and never drink and drive.
• Keep in mind that vacationers make the highways busier than usual, particularly on long weekends. Plan in advance by giving yourself plenty of time to reach your destination and, as with any time of year, stay calm and use safe driving practices to keep you and your passengers safe. Patience on roadways is essential this time of year; avoid speeding, tailgating, sudden braking and limit any distractions while you're behind the wheel.

For more than 100 years, the Canadian Automobile Association has provided travel, emergency road services, insurance and advocacy for its Members

For more information, please contact: