Spring Driving Risks and Construction Zones in Alberta

Key Takeaways

April through June represent Alberta’s most dangerous driving period, with 28% of all fatal collisions occurring in these three months alone due to Spring driving risks. The combination of rapid weather transitions, ramped-up road construction projects, and increased traffic creates a perfect storm of driving hazards. Learn more about our auto insurance in Edmonton services.

Here’s what every Alberta driver needs to know this spring season:

• Spring driving risks in April is when most of the major highway construction kicks off in Alberta, and with it comes reduced speed limits on some of the province’s most important corridors like the Yellowhead, QEII, and the Anthony Henday
• But don’t think that just because the sun is shining, it’s safe to floor it. The Alberta Traffic Safety Council says that driving too fast on wet roads will triple your chances of having a crash
• RV, trailer and ATV season is also in full swing, so make sure you’ve got the right coverage before you head out on the road
• And while we’re on the subject of insurance, spring storms bring all sorts of risks like hail, wind and flooding, so review your home insurance in Edmonton before the weather gets bad
• Insuramix is offering a great deal on car and RV/trailer insurance, allowing you to bundle both together and save on premiums while still getting the coverage you need

Spring Driving Risks in Alberta: Why April–June Are So Risky for Drivers

Spring driving risks in Alberta is a real challenge for drivers. The intense freeze-thaw cycles that are a feature of this time of year create all sorts of hazards on the roads. Melting snow can leave black ice on shaded sections of road while at the same time causing puddles to form in the wheel ruts. As temperatures rise, potholes start to appear, and wildlife becomes more active in wooded areas and rural highways. It would be wise to consider our Pothole insurance in Edmonton services.

It’s no wonder then that April to June is the most deadly time of year on the roads in Alberta – a whopping 28% of all fatal collisions in the province happen during these three months due to Spring driving risks. That’s because the traffic is getting busier as the weather warms up – commuters, motorcyclists, and cyclists are all back on the road after a winter of being stuck indoors.

Some of the key hazards to watch out for this spring include:

• Black ice in the mornings and in shaded areas
• Potholes caused by the freeze-thaw cycle
• More pedestrians on the roads in urban areas
• Deer and moose are becoming more active near rural highways at dawn and dusk
• Traffic congestion on our major urban corridors, like Calgary’s Deerfoot Trail and Edmonton’s Whitemud Drive

Alberta’s Spring Construction Season: What You Can Expect

April is when Alberta Transportation really starts to get moving on highway and bridge projects, and they don’t finish until late October. That means that we can expect to see construction zones pop up all over the province, particularly on our busiest corridors.

Some of the highways and bridges that are likely to be under construction this spring include:

• The Yellowhead Highway
• The QEII between Calgary and Edmonton
• Highway 2A
• The Anthony Henday Drive and Stoney Trail ring roads
• Expect to see lane closures, reduced speed limits and unfamiliar detours. These work zones are heavily enforced. Fines are doubled when construction workers are present, and a conviction can even impact your insurance premiums

Why Road Construction Zones Are Especially Dangerous In Spring

The combination of bad weather and construction zones creates a perfect storm of hazards on the roads. Spring driving risks include rain, melting snow and overnight refreezes – all this means is that the roads are slippery and unpredictable, plus the shifting lane patterns of a construction zone are a real challenge for even the most experienced drivers.

Some of the specific hazards you may encounter in a spring work zone include:

• Faded or temporary lane markings that are hard to see
• Uneven pavement can cause your vehicle to swerve
• Loose gravel that reduces traction
• Raised manholes that can be hard to spot
• Heavy machinery that can be hard to see and even harder to avoid

Common Types of Crashes in Alberta Work Zones

Understanding Spring driving risks and how crashes happen can help you stay safe on the roads. The confined space of a construction zone leaves little margin for error, and even a small mistake can have serious consequences.

Some of the most common types of crashes in Alberta work zones include:

• Rear-end collisions from sudden stops and tailgating
• Side-swipe collisions from sudden lane changes
• Single-vehicle crashes into barricades, cones or drop-offs
• For truck drivers and those towing RVs, the risks are amplified due to longer stopping distances and wider turning radii
• Even low-speed crashes can cause serious injury to workers and significant damage claims

Wet Roads + Speeding = Tripled Crash Risk in Alberta

The Alberta Traffic Safety Council has found that driving on wet roads and speeding can increase your crash risk by up to three times compared to dry, slower conditions. The mechanism is simple – reduced tire pressure contact, longer stopping distances, and hydroplaning risk at highway speeds.

In Alberta, we’ve seen this risk play out on our major highways like the Yellowhead and QEII after spring storms, and even on our residential streets when melting snow is creating streams and puddles. To stay safe on Alberta’s roads in the spring, increase your following distance to at least four to six seconds when driving in poor conditions. Keep an eye on the weather forecast beforehand, and avoid making any sudden lane changes when you hit grooved pavement. In the event of heavy rain or standing water, slow down by about 10 to 20 km/h. Check your windshield wipers and tire pressure before heading out on your trip.

Spring Driving Risks – Frequently Asked Questions

How can I reduce accident risks while driving through spring construction zones?

You can really cut down on accident risks while driving through spring construction zones by taking it easy, keeping a bit more space between you and the car in front, staying on your toes and not getting sidetracked, following the rules of the road, heeding those signposts and flaggers, and sticking to the lines, even when the traffic pattern changes.

What to Do if You Hit a Big Hole in the Road?

If you do hit a large pothole, you’ll want to hang on to the wheel without slamming on the brakes during the impact, and then pull over to a safe spot to take a good look at your tires and wheels to see if there’s any visible damage. And it’s a good idea to get a pro to check the alignment, suspension and rims as soon as you can.

What Kind of Tires Should You be Using this Spring?

All-season tires are generally the way to go for general use in spring, but if you live in an area where the weather can swing between hot and cold and there’s a lot of rain, then an all-weather tire is probably a better bet. Summer tires are only worth it if it’s going to be consistently warm and there’s not a chance of any cold snaps.

How Can I Find Out What’s Going On With Road Work Before I Head Out?

You can check out 511 Alberta to get the latest on highway construction, accidents and road conditions. City projects in Edmonton, Calgary and other centres are usually covered on the municipal website or app, and it’s a good idea to look up your route on your favourite navigation app just before you leave. But if you really want to be sure, then check out the official sources for the most up-to-date work-zone information.

Does Driving in a Construction Zone Mess Up Your Insurance Rates?

Just driving through a work zone itself won’t change your premiums, but if you get a ticket or cause a collision there, then it could impact your driving record, which might in turn increase your rates. So just keep an eye out for the speed limit and put down the phone, especially in zones with lots of workers and cameras.

Safety Tips for Navigating Alberta Construction Zones

Any driver who’s had a close call in a construction zone knows how easily accidents can happen. Most of the time, these kinds of collisions are completely preventable with a bit of planning ahead, staying patient and keeping your eyes on the road. Here are some top safety tips to help you avoid getting distracted in road construction areas.

• Keep an eye out for speed limit signs and “fines doubled” warnings
• Take notice of the people directing traffic and follow their instructions
• Stick to the temporary lane markings – old paint is often faded and might not be accurate
• Before you head out, check 511 Alberta for the latest on any road construction that might impact your route
• Give plenty of space to the vehicle in front of you, especially if it’s a big rig that might obscure your view of the road ahead
• Always double-check the brake lights on the car in front of you

If you’re heading into city traffic, make sure you’ve got some extra time built in for navigating through areas with lane restrictions due to LRT construction or downtown road work in places like Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer.

Spring Means RVs, Trailers, and ATVs Hit the Road

Spring is finally here, and that means Alberta’s recreational vehicle season is kicking off. Many people pull out their travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers and hit the road for places like Banff, Jasper, Sylvan Lake and Pigeon Lake.

These kinds of vehicles pose a unique set of challenges, particularly on slippery roads or in busy construction zones:

• Towing a trailer means your car is going to need a lot longer to stop (at least 50% longer than a regular car)
• Crosswinds can cause trailers to swing all over the place, especially in open areas like the prairies
• You’ll often find that construction zones have narrow lanes and tighter turns, which can be a real challenge with a trailer behind you

Before you take your trailer out for the first time this spring, make sure you’re all set with properly functioning brakes, lights and hitch connections. If you’ve got an ATV or off-road vehicle, make sure you’ve got the right insurance coverage in place before you hit the trails, especially if you’re planning on taking it to a popular spot near Calgary or Edmonton.

Insurance Checkup: Cars, RVs, and Trailers Before Spring Trips

Spring is a great time to review your insurance, especially since you’re going to be out on the road more often and facing all sorts of new hazards. Hail damage, pothole damage, these are just a few things to watch out for, and if you’ve got an RV or trailer, it’s even more likely that you’ll get hit by something.

Here are a few key coverages to take a closer look at:

• Make sure your liability limits are adequate (at least $200k in Alberta, but it’s recommended you go for $1-2 million)
• Check that you’ve got collision and comprehensive coverage for both your car and your RV/trailer
• Emergency roadside assistance is a must-have in case you get stranded or stuck
• Check that you’ve got coverage for anything valuable you might be carrying around in your RV or trailer

A lot of people assume that their auto policy will automatically cover their trailer, but that’s not the case. If you’ve recently bought a new trailer or purchased an ATV or camper, make sure you’ve got the right insurance coverage in place by talking to a broker at Insuramix.

Property and Storm Season: Don’t Forget Your Home Insurance

Just as you’re getting ready to hit the road, spring and early summer are also times of risk for homeowners. Hailstorms, thunderstorms and overland flooding are all possibilities, especially in areas prone to severe weather like Calgary or Central Alberta.

• Take a closer look at your home insurance policy to make sure you’ve got the right coverage for things like hail and wind damage, sewer backup, overland water (where available) and outbuildings that might be storing your RV or trailer.
• Check that your deductibles are in order and that you’ve got the right coverage for any seasonal properties you might have.
• At Insuramix, we can help you tie all your insurance policies together so you’re not left scrambling in the event of a storm-related claim.

Why Bundling Your RV or Trailer With Your Auto Policy Matters

Using a single broker and insurance company can make a big difference when it comes to making claims and saving money on your premiums. Plus, bundling your RV or trailer with your auto policy helps to avoid gaps in coverage between when you’re storing your trailer and when you’re out on the road.

Here are a few benefits to bundling through Insuramix:

• Multi-vehicle and multi-policy discounts
• You can keep your liability limits consistent across all your vehicles
• We’ll coordinate the coverage dates for all your vehicles so you don’t have to worry about any overlaps or gaps
• You’ll get a single renewal date and a single point of contact, making it a lot easier to handle any claims or changes to your policy

If you do end up getting into an accident involving your tow vehicle and trailer while driving through a construction zone, having bundling coverage in place means you only have to make one phone call to get everything sorted out. Visit Insuramix to get a spring insurance review and a customized quote on bundling your policies.

What to Do After a Spring or Construction-Zone Accident in Alberta

Even the most careful drivers can still get caught up in an accident during spring break travel or while navigating through a busy work zone. If you are involved in a collision, here’s what you should do:

1. Move to a safe location if possible and turn on your hazard lights
2. If anyone’s been hurt or if there’s a lot of traffic blocked, call 911 right away
3. Document the road conditions, any signs or lane closures, construction equipment and so on
4. Take photos and exchange information with the other driver(s) involved
5. Write down the names of any witnesses and report to the police if required

As soon as you can, give your insurance broker a call, like Insuramix, to go over your coverage, deductibles, and next steps for getting your vehicle repaired or seeking any medical help you might need. Making sure you’ve got all the right documentation in place will make a big difference when it comes to getting your claim processed.

Come visit us at Insuramix.ca and get started today.