Let's Help Keep Our Communities Safe. Slow Down Please.

The CAA Slow Down Please lawn sign program will be discontinued at the end of 2023. Thank you for all your support, and for being an advocate in your community.

Longer days and sunnier skies present plenty of opportunities to get out and about. With people enjoying the fresh air and exercising outdoors, there will be an increase in foot and cycling traffic. That’s why CAA is reminding motorists to drive safely, especially through residential neighbourhoods.

This year, we’re pleased to continue offering FREE “Slow Down Please” lawn signs* to anyone living in South Central Ontario. When well-placed, these signs aim to make roads safer for children and those living in the community. 

Keeping our roadways and neighbourhoods safe is a shared responsibility. You can also do your part by getting involved in this worthwhile community initiative. 

Starting July 5, 2021, you can pick up a maximum of two signs from your local CAA Store, while quantities last. Always remember to check local city bylaws before installing signs on private property.

Show your support and pick up your FREE “Slow Down Please” lawn sign today!

Reduce your speed. 

Speeding is one of the leading causes of traffic collisions in Ontario. According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, almost 20% of all people killed on Ontario roads in 2017 died in collisions where speed was a contributing factor. Approximately two out of every three speed-related fatal and injury collisions happened on municipal roads. 

More recently, a CAA poll released on December 29, 2020, found that speeding, aggressive behaviour and mobile phone use were among the most prevalent issues observed. The poll also revealed that 56% of Canadians have seen an increase in one or more unsafe driving behaviours since September, compared with earlier in the pandemic. More than one third of Canadians (35%) said they have seen an increase in drivers speeding, while 32% reported more aggressive driving and 30% said they have noticed more drivers using their mobile phone behind the wheel. 

Remember, the faster you drive, the greater the risk of collision and the more severe that collision is likely to be. So, it’s important to drive with extra caution and obey speed limits when driving through residential areas and community safety zones. These are the places where our families and children live and play. 

Help keep our communities safe.

Let's work together. Remember these road safety tips the next time you head out:  

For drivers:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions like texting, adjusting your GPS or scrolling through your playlist. Distracted driving puts you and others at risk and comes with serious consequences including fines, demerit points and licence suspension.
  
  
• Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. Pay extra attention if you see someone is about to or has already entered the crosswalk.
  
  
• Drive slowly through community safety zones and residential areas. Expect additional pedestrian or bike traffic in these areas and watch for children running across the road or darting out from between parked cars.
  
  
• Keep a safe distance. It’s the law: Drivers of motor vehicles must keep at least one-metre distance when passing someone on their bike.
  
  
• Be patient. Pedestrians with disabilities, children or seniors crossing the road may need more time to get to the other side.

For all road users:

• Be mindful. Always be courteous, respectful and patient with others.
  
  
• Follow the rules of the road. Drivers and vulnerable road users (people on bikes and/or pedestrians) each have a role to play in keeping everyone safe on our roads.
  
  
• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention, avoid distractions like using your phone or wearing headphones and make eye contact with other road users including people walking, cycling or driving.
  
  
• Be visible. Drivers and people on bikes must have appropriate lighting during dark or low visibility situations. This includes half an hour before sunset and half an hour after sunrise, when it’s dark, foggy or cloudy. People walking or cycling should wear bright or reflective clothing for extra visibility.

To learn more about CAA's road safety efforts, visit www.caasco.com/advocacy