The Manitoba Driver, from Manitoba Public Insurance
April 2011

About 455words
Stay attentive when driving in the spring

Spring has arrived. While that may mean less snow to worry about, there are still driving hazards brought on by the change of season.

Temperatures can fluctuate above and below freezing, which brings on the freeze-thaw cycle and makes roads extremely icy.

“Driving in spring can present unique challenges for drivers,” said Maria Minenna, manager of driver education and training for Manitoba Public Insurance. “It may seem that warmer weather makes driving safer but at -1 degree Celsius the ice on the roads is twice as slippery as ice at -18 degrees Celsius.”

Road conditions can change throughout the day because of varying temperatures. In the morning there may still be ice on the roads but by the afternoon the roads are covered with puddles and slush.

“It’s important to watch the temperature and be aware of conditions,” said Minenna. “Roadways can be particularly slippery when the temperature is around the zero mark.”

Melting snow and ice are additional driving challenges in the spring.

“It only takes a little bit of spray from the road to reduce visibility significantly,” Minenna explains. “Drivers should make sure they have lots of windshield wiper fluid and wiper blades that are in good condition.”

A combination of factors like a dirty windshield and the glare from the sun can hinder your visibility. That’s why it’s important to keep your windshield clean and use your vehicle’s sun visor or a pair of sunglasses to maintain optimal visibility.

In addition to melting snow and ice, potholes are another risk. Potholes can be hidden by puddles, creating potential road hazards. Drivers, unaware of the pothole, may drive too fast through the puddle and disable their engine or brakes.

Potholes can be avoided by being aware and looking at the road ahead so you can steer around them. If a pothole can’t be avoided, it’s best to reduce your speed but do not brake abruptly. It’s also recommended to stay out of the curb lane, as potholes are commonly found there.

Hydroplaning is another challenge that can make it hard to control your vehicle. Occurring when tires temporarily lose contact with the road, hydroplaning can be avoided by slowing down when approaching a puddle. Another way to avoid hydroplaning is by ensuring your tires are inflated to the correct pressure and the treads are in good conditions as bald or under-inflated tires are prone to hydroplaning.

Another thing to remember is that as the weather gets warmer there is an increase in traffic on the road. Please be responsible and share Manitoba’s streets and highways with bicycles, scooters, mopeds and motorcycles.  It’s also important to watch for pedestrians as more people are out enjoying the weather.

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© 2011 Manitoba Public Insurance