Prepare for longer commutes this summer

THORNHILL, ON, June 24, 2015 /CNW/ - Motorists can expect to sit in traffic longer as hundreds of thousands of athletes, officials and visitors descend on southern Ontario for the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.

Major roads and highways linking the venues through Toronto, York, Durham, Peel, Halton, Simcoe, Haliburton, Hamilton and Niagara will all be busier than normal due to increased traffic, especially during the events. Whether you are heading to work or to the cottage this summer, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is reminding drivers to be aware of the routes impacted by the Games.

CAA SCO tips for drivers:

Drivers should also be aware temporary HOV lanes on major highways will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The HOV lanes will be available from June 29 to July 27 to vehicles carrying three people or more and from July 28 to August 18 to those vehicles with two or more people. Parking restrictions and/or turning bans will also be introduced near venues. Remember to also read the local traffic plans to see how you may be affected.

• Be prepared for longer commutes.
• Plan your route and alternate routes ahead of time.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get where you're going.
• Be courteous on the road.
• If possible, take transit or carpool.
• Explore working from home options with your employer.
• Avoid travelling during rush hour whenever possible.

The summer months are typically the second busiest time of the year for CAA SCO due to the extreme heat. The auto club typically experiences a spike in battery-related calls and lockout service requests during July and August. On an average summer day, CAA SCO services approximately 3,000 – 3,500 roadside calls. Our top priority is always safety.

CAA SCO is encouraging members to download the CAA App and use CAA Service Tracker to track the status and estimated time of arrival of their road service call.

Meanwhile, the province has launched a trip planner to help commuters and spectators get around during the Games. The trip planner is available to download for free for Apple, Android and Blackberry devices.

For over a hundred years, CAA has been helping Canadians stay mobile, safe and protected. CAA South Central Ontario is one of nine auto clubs across Canada providing roadside assistance, travel, insurance services and member savings for our 2 million members.

SOURCE CAA South Central Ontario

Silvana Aceto, Media and PR Consultant, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone]; or Jeff LeMoine, Communications Consultant, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone]