The Manitoba Driver, from Manitoba Public Insurance
March 2008

About 375 words
A new season means new driving challenges

Winter is statistically the season with the most accidents on Manitoba roads, but motorists shouldn’t view the first signs of spring as a racetrack starting flag.

“Spring is not the time to let down your guard when it comes to driving,” says Lou Gervino, Manager of Driver Education for Manitoba Public Insurance. “The same freeze-thaw cycle that makes sidewalks treacherous also demands extra caution on streets and highways.”

For example, the route you took in the middle of the day that had lots of puddles and slush could be icy at night or in the morning. And ice on roads at -1 degree C is twice as slippery as ice at -18.

“Keep your eye on the thermometer and stay alert to changing conditions,” Gervino says. “Roadways can be especially slippery when the temperature is right around the zero mark.”

Puddles present another unique problem. Driving through large puddles too quickly can disable the engine or brakes in some vehicles. And puddles often hide potholes, which can range from minor bumps in the road, to potentially damaging road hazards.

When it’s safe to do so, avoid potholes by steering around them. If they can’t be avoided, reduce speed – but avoid braking abruptly. Most potholes tend to form in the curb lane where water accumulates.

The risk of hydroplaning is another reason to reduce speed when approaching puddles. Tires that are bald or under-inflated are particularly prone to hydroplaning, which occurs when the tires temporarily lose contact with the road surface. A hydroplaning vehicle can be difficult to control.

Melting snow and ice pose another springtime challenge: “Just a little bit of spray from the road can decrease your visibility substantially,” Gervino says. “Always make sure you’ve got plenty of windshield wiper fluid and blades that are in good working order.”

A dirty windshield combined with early morning or early evening glare from the sun is especially dangerous. A clean windshield together with your vehicle’s sun visor and your sunglasses (prescription sunglasses, if required), help to improve visibility and lessen the dangers.

Lastly, warmer temperatures and longer days bring other users to the road. Share Manitoba’s streets and highways responsibly with bicycles and motorcycles, and be on the lookout for an increased number of pedestrians.

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© 2008 Manitoba Public Insurance

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How potholes are formed

Cold temperatures cause moisture in the ground to freeze and expand, displacing the pavement.

With warmer spring temperatures, the ground thaws and returns to normal levels, often leaving a gap between the pavement and the ground.

When vehicles drive over this gap, the road surface cracks and falls into the hollow space, creating the start of a pothole.

Illustrations courtesy of Manitoba Public Insurance