It's Time for the CAA Roughest Roads Contest - Why do Rough Roads Matter?

April 06, 2023, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Roads are the backbone of modern transportation, but when they become rough, the costs to cars and drivers can be significant. Rough roads can have several negative impacts, ranging from increased vehicle maintenance costs to safety risks for drivers.

Every year the CAA runs Ontario’s Worst Roads Campaign to highlight the worst the province has to offer. Roads are nominated by members and making the Top 10 list is a dubious honour. With luck municipalities take notice. If you have a nomination for the list the cut-off is April 21 and you can make it here at the CAA Worst Roads Campaign.

This year locals have named Waterloo Region's roughest roads in advance of the CAA contest. City News polled drivers and reported the results here. Their informal poll found that the following roads were awful:

1. Ira needles
2. University Ave
3. Parts of Bridgeport road
4. Victoria between King and Fischer-Hallman 
5. King Street at Grand River Hospital

Poor road conditions have many impacts.

Firstly, rough roads can cause damage to a vehicle's suspension, tires, wheels, and other parts. This can lead to increased repair costs and a shorter lifespan for the vehicle. The constant pounding of potholes, uneven pavement, and other road hazards can take a toll on even the most well-maintained cars. This, in turn, can lead to higher maintenance costs for drivers, which can be a significant burden for those on tight budgets. If your vehicle is damaged as a result of a pothole collision you may be entitled to compensation from the municipality that ‘owns’ the roadway.

Secondly, rough roads can also decrease fuel efficiency. When driving on rough roads, vehicles may experience increased resistance and friction, which can reduce their fuel efficiency. This can lead to higher fuel costs for drivers, which can add up over time, especially for those who rely heavily on their vehicles for work or other essential activities.

Thirdly, rough roads can also pose safety risks to drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Potholes, bumps, and other road hazards can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles or swerve suddenly to avoid them, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, rough roads can cause drivers to experience discomfort or fatigue, which can impair their driving ability and increase the risk of accidents. Pedestrians may trip and fall when the potholes are in crosswalks and are obscured by poor light, snow or rain. Cyclists may be struck by vehicles swerving to avoid the potholes or may crash as a result of hitting a pothole.

Lastly, rough roads can also cause discomfort for drivers. The constant jarring and bouncing of driving on rough roads can be uncomfortable, especially during longer trips. This can lead to fatigue, stress, and other negative impacts on driver health and well-being.

In addition to these effects on cars and drivers, rough roads can also have broader economic impacts. For example, businesses that rely on transportation may experience reduced productivity due to delays and increased maintenance costs for their vehicles. Additionally, healthcare costs may increase due to accidents and injuries caused by rough roads.

Why does the contest matter

While the CAA contest is in part tongue and cheek it also serves a good function of raising public awareness about the state of Ontario’s roads. Rough roads have significant negative impacts on cars, drivers, and the broader economy. Investing in road maintenance and infrastructure improvements can help mitigate these effects and ensure that our transportation system remains safe, reliable, and efficient for all.

What to do if you have been injured due to poor road conditions

If you or a loved one is injured due to poor road conditions in a car accident, bike accident or pedestrian accident you should contact one of our highly experienced personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation. We will evaluate your case and lay out your options.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.