Spring is around the corner, and with it comes some special driving conditions that we should follow. Here are a few things to watch out for:
Black Ice
During the spring we can get lots of freezing and thawing in the prairies and with this comes the opportunity for black ice to form on the roads and highways. Always ensure to use caution in the early morning hours and evening hours as water on the roads has the potential to freeze during these times
Slush
During the day, it is common that temperatures will hover around freezing which can cause slush to form on the roads if there is a wind blowing across the road. The spring sun is warm enough to keep the highways above freezing and the pavement can retain the sun’s heat due to the dark surface. Because of this, blowing snow can often begin to stick to the roads and create ice and slush pockets. When encountering these road conditions, do no use cruise control, and take extra care to stay inside the forming tracks that are made by the traffic. If there is slush forming on the center line, avoid passing if possible. If you vehicle begins to get pulled in either direction due to the slush, take your foot off the gas and make gentle efforts on the wheel to correct the wandering vehicle. Do not jerk the wheel as this can cause a spin on the highway which could put you in the ditch, or into oncoming traffic. If your vehicle is moving towards the ditch and you have lots all control, do not make last minute attempts to correct this as you could cause a roll.
Potholes
Potholes become evident as the snow melts away and the ice disappears from the holes in the road. Be mindful of this reality and exercise caution on grid roads and on paved roads alike. Grid roads are also prone to a “washboard” effect near intersections so be aware of these as it can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Washouts
During the spring thaw, water begins to flow and this can cause the roads to become submerged. When this occurs, roads can actually get washed out by the water and the erosion that it causes, so always use extra caution when crossing these areas. If the water is more then a couple inches deep, or if it is fast flowing, take a detour and do not cross these sections as the road might be washed away. Further, your vehicle’s engine could get wet and it could cause a mechanical issue, or your vehicle could get pushed right off of the road if the water is moving fast enough.
This spring, take care on the roads and watch for hazardous conditions. Always make sure your vehicle is insured and that you have valid registration as well. If you are unsure if your vehicle has an active license plate, or you want to increase your coverage, contact your broker to find out how you can do this.