From Worst Roads... to Better Drivers! CAA is helping motorists navigate and save money this pothole and construction season

From Worst Roads... to Better Drivers! CAA is helping motorists navigate and save money this pothole and construction season

As Saskatchewan motorists head into another pothole and construction season, CAA Saskatchewan is shifting its long-running Worst Roads campaign toward a new focus: helping drivers stay safer and save money on damaged roadways.

For more than a decade, CAA Saskatchewan has invited road users to vote for the province’s worst roads, generating hundreds of thousands of votes and multiple Top 10 lists. The campaign brought photos, videos, and testimonials directly to decision-makers, helping draw attention to roads in need of repair.

 

Saskatchewan, after all, is a landlocked province with almost 250,000 km of roads, the longest road network of any province in Canada. These roads, often a lifeline for many residents, are used regularly for work and leisure travel, and when they deteriorate, motorists often pay the price for vehicle damage, repair costs, and safety concerns.

Here are the CAA 2025 Top Ten Worst Roads:

  1. Saskatchewan 5, Buchanan - Major problem: Poor Road Maintenance (#2 in CAA Worst Roads 2024, #4 in 2023, and #5 in 2022)

  2. Saskatchewan 339, Avonlea - Major problem: Potholes

  3. Saskatchewan 4, Dorintosh - Major problem: Potholes (#1 in CAA Worst Roads 2021)

  4. 5th Avenue NW, Moose Jaw - Major problem: Potholes (#5 in CAA Worst Roads 2022)

  5. Saskatchewan 2, Cudworth - Major problem: Potholes (#3 in CAA Worst Roads 2024)

  6. Saskatchewan 47, Springside - Major problem: Potholes (#8 in CAA Worst Roads 2024 and #2 in 2022)

  7. Saskatchewan 102, La Ronge - Major problem: Potholes

  8. Saskatchewan 123, Petaigan/Ravendale/Pemmican Portage - Major problem: Potholes (#8 in CAA Worst Roads 2023)

  9. Tie - 13th Avenue NW, Moose Jaw (#9 in CAA Worst Roads 2024 and #4 in 2019) & Coteau Street W, Moose Jaw (#3 in CAA Worst Roads 2023) - Major problem: Potholes

  10. Tie - Saskatchewan 35, Weyburn (#10 in CAA Worst Roads 2021) & Warman Road, Saskatoon - Major problem: Potholes

 

 

There are many reasons why the roads deteriorate in Saskatchewan—aging infrastructure, heavy traffic volumes, limited maintenance windows, and… the weather! Let’s face it, when it comes to Saskatchewan weather, Mother Nature always keeps us guessing, and that is hard on our roads.

The freeze-thaw cycle plays a key role in creating potholes - a problem that occurs when temperatures regularly go above and below the freezing point. When rain or snow seeps through cracks and openings in the pavement, it freezes and expands, causing the pavement to heave upward. As temperatures rise, the ground underneath the pavement returns to its normal level, leaving a cavity or holes that break apart with continued traffic by road users over the fractured pavement.

Potholes can damage tires, rims, and suspension on your vehicle. “The most common comments we heard during our campaign were, How do we stay safe on roads with potholes? What can I do to prepare for the spring melt and unstable road conditions? And is there anything we can do to save money and not have repairs cost so much?” explained Angel Blair, Communications Manager. “That’s why we’re shifting our focus to helping motorists navigate potholes and construction season safely.” 

Top 10 Driver Safety Tips for Navigating Pothole Season:

  1. Check tire pressure regularly.

  2. Ensure proper wheel alignment.

  3. Plan routes in advance.

  4. Slow down near potholes and construction areas; it’s the law to slow to 60 km/h in construction zones.

  5. Pull over safely to assess damage if you hit a pothole.

  6. Call for help if your vehicle is unsafe to drive. CAA Roadside Assistance is available 24/7, 365 days a year: online, through the CAA mobile app, or by calling 1-800-222-4357.

  7. Consider additional insurance coverage for tire damage.

  8. Check the Highway Hotline for construction updates.

  9. Know alternate routes.

  10. Report potholes, whether you’re in the city, in town, or in a rural area. There are local phone numbers and email addresses to voice your concerns. You can also email caa.communications@caask.ca with your concerns.


While CAA advocates for road and driver safety, we can also save you money or come to the rescue if needed:

“With CAA Home and Auto Insurance, there’s an option to add tire coverage that can help with pothole season," said Sanda Grcic, Risk Manager. " Through auto extension insurance, there can be discounts on tire repair or even replacement cost coverage. Often, there is no deductible, and it won’t affect your insurance rates. We are here to help and look for options that work for you." 

"Every year, our CAA Tow Truck Operators respond to over 6,000 tire service calls across the province. Whether you need a tow or just a quick fix, we can often change your tire or fill it with air to get you safely back on the road," said Shawn Hansen, Fleet Supervisor.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the Worst Roads campaign over the years by casting votes, submitting photos, and sharing their stories. As we shift to a Better Drivers focus, motorists are encouraged to visit CAA Saskatchewan’s social media channels for a chance to win free Shell gift cards, courtesy of CAA Saskatchewan.

As a strong advocate for road safety, CAA Saskatchewan remains committed to improving conditions and promoting safer roads for all users.

For media interviews, contact:

Angel Blair  
Communications Manager 
CAA Saskatchewan 
306-216-7362 
Angel.Blair@caask.ca 
caask.ca/worstroads