Last chance to vote in BCAA "Worst Roads" survey

BCAA encourages road users to raise concerns and help pave the way to safer roads

BURNABY, BC, May 23, 2013 /CNW/ - Whether they commute on four or two wheels, or on foot, B.C. road users have less than a week to vote in the British Columbia Automobile Association's (BCAA) "Worst Roads" survey. Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are invited to nominate or vote for a road in B.C. which they feel is the 'worst' when it comes to road safety, congestion or potholes and deteriorating pavement. Votes can be cast online at bcaa.com/worstroads until May 27, 2013.

Since the start of the survey on April 29, over 1,300 votes have been cast. To date, the top 10 leading 'worst' roads are the following:

1. BC Parkway (east of Joyce Street), Vancouver
2. Westside Road, Kelowna
3. Vernon Slocan Highway
4. George Massey Tunnel, Richmond
5. Sea-to-Sky Highway, Pemberton
6. Pacific Rim Highway, Port Alberni
7. Island Highway, Malahat
8. Todd Road, Kamloops
9. Indian River Drive, North Vancouver
10. BC Parkway (at Boundary Road), Burnaby (tied)
    Foothills Boulevard, Prince George (tied)
    Port Mellon Highway, Gibsons (tied)

"While potholes are an issue in many parts of the province, as we speak with road users during this campaign, we're seeing road design is a major concern for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians," says Ken Cousin, BCAA's associate vice president of Road Assist. "Better roads and the safety of all road users is a priority for BCAA, and road users are telling us they consider poor road design as a contributing factor to traffic congestion, and more importantly, the increased risk of traffic accidents involving vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians."

So far, voting data indicates the top problem cited is 'potholes and crumbling pavement', followed by 'pedestrian/cycling safety' and then 'traffic congestion'. The majority of votes for the title of 'worst road' is for roads located within the Lower Mainland, followed by roads located in Prince George and on Vancouver Island.

The public only has until May 27, 2013 to cast a vote in BCAA's "Worst Roads" survey at bcaa.com/worstroads. Once final results are verified, BCAA will publish the top 10 list and share complete survey results along with road users' concerns in a report to the appropriate government body to encourage improvements.

"From their physical condition to design, roads matter and improvements take time," says Cousin. "It's important for people to begin raising their concerns about the state of our roads and BCAA's Worst Road survey is one tool that can help commuters bring attention to those troublesome and unsafe thoroughfares. We encourage B.C. road users to cast their vote in our survey and have their say in the future of our roads."

The BCAA "Worst Roads" survey defines a 'worst road' as any piece of paved infrastructure—including a bridge or tunnel—that is unsafe and contributes to frequent accidents, is often heavily congested, has damaging potholes or needs resurfacing. Roads that are poorly designed or too narrow for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to share safely also qualify as a 'worst road'.

About BCAA
BCAA is one of the most trusted organizations in British Columbia, serving one-in-four B.C. households. With over 800,000 Members, BCAA provides an array of award-winning home, auto and travel insurance products and services, and roadside assistance. BCAA has also received the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates award for "Highest Customer Satisfaction among Home Insurance Providers in Western Canada". Now in its 107^th year, BCAA has over $400 million in annual sales, 27 locations and over 800 employees. To learn more about the benefits of BCAA Membership, visit bcaa.com. For more information on the BCAA Road Safety Foundation visit BCAARoadSafety.com.

SOURCE: British Columbia Automobile Association

or to request an interview, please contact:

Niela Melanio
BCAA Communication Specialist
Office: 604-268-5342
Cell: 778-228-8859
Email: [email protected]