Real Estate — March 5, 2009

CAA-Quebec declares war on potholes for ninth year in a row

    QUEBEC, March 5 /CNW Telbec/ - With freeze and thaw cycles wreaking havoc
on our roads, CAA-Quebec has once again activated the online Pothole Watch
tool on its website www.caaquebec.com/nids/en/nids.asp. New this year is a
feature allowing users to specify the type of roadway damage they are
reporting and state whether they are motorists, cyclists or pedestrians, to
enable better identification.
    "This year, Pothole Watch offers a choice of three definitions
corresponding to the types of roadway damage often reported in the spring:
potholes, pavement scabbing, and pavement breakup around service openings.
This will allow us to transmit a wider variety of roadway damage to the
relevant authorities," explains Sophie Gagnon, CAA-Quebec's Senior Director,
Public and Government Relations.

    An effective tool

    The more accurate the information (e.g., name of street, nearby
landmarks, cross-street), the easier it is for CAA-Quebec to report the
damage. "With the cooperation of road users sending information to us, we can
directly notify the municipality in question so that crews can be more quickly
dispatched to do the repair work. By working together, we can improve our road
network-that's our goal with Pothole Watch," Ms. Gagnon adds.
    Since it was first launched eight years ago, Pothole Watch has resulted
in thousands of potholes and other instances of pavement damage (e.g., cracks
and crevasses) being reported to authorities (municipalities and Transports
Québec). Last year saw a record set, with almost 2,600 potholes reported.

    Tips for careful driving

    CAA-Quebec reminds motorists that when a collision with a pothole is
unavoidable, it's important not to apply the brakes and lock the wheels: this
can worsen the damage. While you should slow down before the impact, it's also
wise to maintain direction and grip the steering wheel firmly. "Swerving
suddenly to avoid a pothole might lead to an accident or a loss of control.
The best thing to do is remain calm, slow down, and drive around the hazard if
possible, but without putting your safety or that of others at risk," Ms.
Gagnon concludes.
    Remedies exist for motorists who notice damage to their vehicle after
running into a pothole. CAA-Quebec suggests that they consult the Tips &
Tricks page in the Automobile section of www.caaquebec.com. If you are a
CAA-Quebec member, you can also call the organization's Automotive Advisory
Services at 1 888 471-2424.

    CAA-Quebec, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1904, provides
automotive, travel, residential and financial services and privileges to its
approximately 950,000 members.

For further information: Philippe St-Pierre, (418) 624-2424, ext. 2418,
pstpierre@caaquebec.com

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Updated 18:03 MDT, July 29, 2010  

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