Latest news with #CanadianAutomobileAssociation
Global News
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Global News
Hamilton home to Ontario's worst road yet again. Here are the others
Ontarians had their chance to vote for their most hated roads in the province through the Canadian Automobile Association's (CAA) annual Worst Roads campaign, and the results are in. For a second year in a row, Aberdeen Avenue in Hamilton has been named the worst road in Ontario, among the 2,400 roads that were nominated for the campaign. Following closely in second and third place were Barton Street East, also in Hamilton, and County Road 49 in Prince Edward County. The campaign gives drivers a chance to call out the roads they believe are in the worst shape, from potholes and cracked pavement to congestion and constant lane closures. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Timely repairs, better communication, quick fixes, pothole funds, and using recycled aggregates are just some solutions to fix unsafe roads,' said Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice president of government and community relations for CAA South Central Ontario. Story continues below advertisement 'Our research shows that 85 per cent of Ontarians are concerned about the state of our roads. … This campaign gives people a voice and helps push for real improvements.' Other roads on this year's list include the Gardiner Expressway and Sheppard Avenue West in Toronto, as well as Hurontario Street in Mississauga. According to a CAA survey, nearly half of drivers in Ontario say poor road conditions have damaged their vehicles. Around 81 per cent paid out of pocket for repairs, which averaged $933, up more than $80 from last year. 'With the increasing cost of living, many people hold on to their cars for longer when damaged, the last thing they need is expensive repair bills on an already stretched household budget,' Di Felice said. The survey recorded cracked pavement as the top complaint, followed closely by potholes and traffic congestion. More than 60 per cent of respondents also agreed that not enough is currently being done to maintain the roads in their area. However, CAA said at least 10 roads have been repaired in the past four years as a result of being named. 'We know that the campaign works and that decision-makers are listening,' added De Felice.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New study challenges common myth about electric cars: 'These insights are critical'
Ever believe something you heard without checking if it's true? It's OK — we've all been there. For example, take electric vehicles. You may have heard claims that they stop working in cold weather or any number of other EV myths. While the battery performance of EVs does dip a bit in the cold, by no means do they break or stop working. That belief has prevailed for some time, but it's been disproven by the Canadian Automobile Association, according to CleanTechnica. As the group found in a series of sub-zero temperature tests, no EVs were rendered unusable. The best performers — including the Silverado EV and the Polestar 2 — only lost 14% of their range, while the most impacted lost 39%. Yet many vehicles could quickly regain significant range with just 15 minutes of charging, the report explained. So, it is true that the cold is a factor for EV drivers. But the actual impact varies from car to car, and overall, it's not as bleak as many believe. The CAA suggests Canadian automakers share winter range estimates on top of year-round averages so that drivers can make the most informed decisions, CleanTechnica reported. Plus, the association recommends some simple ways to lower EV exposure in the cold: clear snow and ice while charging, use heated seats instead of vents, and park indoors if possible, per CleanTechnica. All told, an EV can still be a smart choice even in winter climates like Canada. Slight range discrepancies pale in comparison to being free from planet-heating gasoline bills. Meanwhile, maintaining internal combustion engine cars, which also struggle in the cold, can get expensive. As for the environmental costs of EV manufacturing, there's more good news. When compared to a gas-burning Toyota Corolla, a Tesla Model 3 only needs 13,500 miles under its belt before breaking even on those impacts, according to a Reuters report. Plus, EV battery technologies are being refined all the time, which means it's getting easier and easier to save money — and further warming of the planet — with your choice of car. "CAA is responding to a top concern of Canadians when it comes to EVs," said Ian Jack, vice president for public affairs at CAA National, per the outlet. "These insights are critical for both current EV owners and those considering making the switch." If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "In Saskatchewan this last week temperatures have been -30's C with windchill -40s," one commenter wrote. "Range loss is significant but no performance issues for 2024 [Chevrolet Blazer EV]." "For local driving, range loss [is] not a problem," another added. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
