CAA Niagara Launches 'Slow Down' Lawn Sign Program to Promote Responsible Driving Practices

THOROLD, ON (August 9, 2021) – CAA Niagara is pleased to announce its new ‘Slow Down’ lawn sign program, which offers FREE signs to residents of Niagara with the intent of confronting speeding on residential streets, as well as promoting safe and responsible driving practices. The initiative is supported by the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) and six of the region’s municipalities, including the Town of Lincoln, the City of Niagara Falls, the City of Port Colborne, the City of St. Catharines, the City of Thorold and the Township of Wainfleet.

“Distracted driving and speeding continue to be prevalent issues in our neighbourhoods. But, keeping the roadways safe is a shared responsibility and that is why we launched this lawn sign program,” said Peter Van Hezewyk, CEO and President, CAA Niagara. “In working with our local municipal partners to offer these signs to the entire region of Niagara, we are presenting a united front against unsafe driving practices.

These signs serve as a reminder for motorists to drive safely and obey the posted speed limits. As children return to school this September after a long time away, it’s even more important that drivers are cautious while out on the roads.”

The new lawn signs are printed double-sided on durable corrugated plastic material, measuring 16 inches tall by 24 inches wide, and are accompanied by wire stakes. Limited to one per household, the signs are currently available on a first-come, first-serve basis at CAA Niagara’s five Branches in Grimsby, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Thorold and Welland, the NRPS’ Niagara Falls and St. Catharines precincts and the town/city halls of Lincoln, Port Colborne, St. Catharines, Thorold and Wainfleet.

Working with our community partners to ensure community safety is a priority for the Niagara Regional Police Service,” said Chief of Police Bryan MacCulloch. “Keeping our roads safe is a responsibility we all share and our officers are committed to enforcing safe driving practices across the Niagara Region.”

To ensure the success and safety of the program and to comply with local bylaws, CAA Niagara is also providing guidelines for the installation of the signs to ensure they are aligned with local bylaws. They must be set back a minimum of one metre from the curb, sidewalk or road edge; on private residential property; not obstruct driveways, roadways, intersections, sidewalks or walkways; be inserted into the ground using the wire frame only; be placed where it will not obstruct sightlines for pedestrians, cyclists or drivers; and be placed as supplied and without further illumination or the use of reflective tape.

To learn more, visit caaniagara.ca/slowdownsigns.

About CAA Niagara

Founded in 1911 as the St. Catharines Automobile Club with just 16 members, CAA Niagara has grown to more than 140,000 members with five Niagara locations; St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, Thorold and Grimsby. A not-for-profit membership organization, CAA Niagara, provides emergency road services, travel, insurance and member rewards.

For further comment or to book an interview, please contact:
Desirée Swance, Public Relations Specialist
Mobile: (289) 547-8478 | dswance@caaniagara.ca

CAA 'Slow Down' road safety sign on lawn.