As Alberta transitions from winter to spring, the roads clear, temperatures rise, and more drivers return to regular travel routines. April and May mark the start of the spring driving season, but while the weather may seem more forgiving, the roads during this time can be deceptively dangerous.
Spring brings a host of unique hazards that increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents across Alberta. Drivers unprepared for these seasonal challenges may find themselves involved in collisions resulting in injury, property damage, or complex insurance claims. These springtime factors can also play a significant role in establishing liability and pursuing compensation for those injured in a crash.
Why Spring Driving in Alberta Is Especially Risky
Alberta’s spring thaw is a time of transition for the province’s roadways. After months of snow, ice, and freeze-thaw cycles, many roads are left in poor condition. At the same time, more vehicles return to the roads as weather improves, and drivers may be adjusting to changing visibility, daylight hours, and new traffic patterns.
Although spring driving may feel safer than winter driving, this time of year brings some of the year’s most dangerous road conditions. Understanding these risks is key to prevention and building a strong injury claim if an accident occurs.
Hazard One: Potholes and Surface Damage
One of the most significant spring driving hazards in Alberta is potholes. Winter’s freeze-thaw cycles weaken road surfaces, creating cracks that expand over time. When the snow melts in spring, the extent of the damage becomes visible—and dangerous.
Potholes can cause tire blowouts, suspension damage, or sudden swerving to avoid a hazard. In many cases, collisions result not directly from hitting a pothole, but from losing control or veering into another lane.
From a legal standpoint, if poor road maintenance contributes to a motor vehicle accident, there may be grounds to pursue a claim against the responsible municipality or government body. However, these claims are subject to strict notification deadlines under Alberta’s Limitations Act and require compelling evidence.
Hazard Two: Residual Sand, Gravel, and Debris
Alberta municipalities rely heavily on sand and gravel throughout winter to improve traction on icy roads. This residue often remains on the pavement throughout spring, especially at intersections, on ramps, and in rural areas.
Loose gravel and sand can reduce traction and increase stopping distances. Drivers may skid when braking or experience difficulty steering on debris-covered roads. These conditions are especially hazardous for smaller vehicles or when wet weather mixes with leftover road salt and grime.
If a municipality fails to clean road debris within a reasonable time period, and this failure contributes to a collision, it may be possible to pursue a liability claim. Timely documentation, such as photos of the road conditions and vehicle damage, is critical in supporting these claims.
Hazard Three: Sudden Weather Changes and Poor Visibility
Alberta is known for its unpredictable spring weather. Clear skies can quickly give way to rain, snow, or sleet, and temperatures often fluctuate dramatically over the course of a single day. These changes affect not only road conditions but also visibility and driver behaviour.
Rain, fog, and melting snow can impair visibility and increase the risk of hydroplaning or skidding. Additionally, wet roads can conceal hazards such as cracks, potholes, or debris. Sudden cold snaps, particularly in the early morning or evening, can also create patches of black ice.
Weather is not an excuse for negligence in an accident claim. All drivers have a duty to adjust their speed and driving behaviour to match road conditions. Failing to slow down or maintain control during inclement weather may be grounds for a finding of liability.
Hazard Four: Increased Traffic and Inattentive Drivers
As spring arrives, traffic volume typically increases. More commuters, recreational drivers, and commercial vehicles take to the roads, sometimes before they’ve fully adjusted to the change in season. After months of reduced travel during the winter, some drivers may be rusty or inattentive.
This increased volume often leads to a spike in rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, and lane-change errors. Distracted driving, particularly the use of cell phones, is also a major contributor to spring crashes.
When distracted or inattentive driving leads to a collision, injured victims may have a strong case for negligence. Alberta law allows those injured by another driver’s carelessness to pursue compensation for medical costs, income loss, and other damages. Establishing fault requires clear evidence, such as police reports, dashcam footage, and witness statements.
Hazard Five: Vehicle Maintenance Issues After Winter
Many vehicles sit idle or receive minimal use during the winter months. As spring begins, drivers may resume regular use without completing proper maintenance or safety checks. Common issues include underinflated tires, worn-out brakes, low fluid levels, or dead batteries.
Mechanical failures on the road can lead to serious collisions, particularly when brakes or tires fail at high speeds. While drivers are generally responsible for ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy, liability may extend to auto shops or parts manufacturers in cases involving recent repairs or defective equipment.
From a legal perspective, a vehicle owner’s failure to perform reasonable maintenance can reduce their compensation in a claim, especially if their own negligence contributed to the accident. On the other hand, victims of crashes caused by another driver’s mechanical failure may still be entitled to compensation.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Springtime Collision
If you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident during Alberta’s spring thaw, protecting your legal rights and gathering as much information as possible at the scene is essential. Here are the key steps to take:
- Call 911 and report the accident. A police report provides crucial documentation.
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even seemingly minor injuries can worsen over time.
- Take photos of the scene. Document road conditions, damage, debris, and weather.
- Collect contact details of witnesses. Their statements may support your claim.
- Notify your insurer. Prompt reporting is required under most policies.
- Consult a personal injury lawyer. A legal professional can advise you on your rights and help you pursue compensation.
Early legal advice can make a significant difference, especially in spring accidents involving road conditions or government responsibility.
Who May Be Liable in a Spring Motor Vehicle Accident?
Liability in spring collisions can be complex, especially when road conditions, weather, or maintenance play a role. Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties may be held responsible:
- Another driver who acted carelessly or failed to adjust to conditions
- A municipality that failed to maintain or clean the road
- A mechanic who improperly serviced a vehicle
- A manufacturer of a defective part or tire
Alberta’s legal system requires claimants to prove both negligence and causation. Evidence such as maintenance records, weather reports, and expert testimony may be necessary to establish fault.
Compensation for Springtime Accident Injuries
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident in Alberta, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of losses, including:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Long-term care or home modifications in severe cases
In the event of a fatal collision, family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover funeral costs, loss of support, and emotional distress.
Staying Safe During Alberta’s Spring Driving Season
While you can’t control the weather or other drivers, you can take steps to protect yourself and reduce your risk on Alberta roads this spring:
- Inspect your vehicle thoroughly before resuming regular use
- Drive cautiously on unfamiliar or debris-covered roads
- Check weather forecasts before setting out and adjust your route if necessary
- Allow extra stopping distance in wet or damaged conditions
- Stay alert and avoid distractions, especially in high-traffic areas
A proactive approach can reduce the risk of an accident and strengthen your legal position if a collision does occur.
Cuming & Gillespie LLP: Alberta Personal Injury Lawyers Helping You Navigate Spring Accident Claims
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, we’re here to help. At Cuming & Gillespie LLP, our experienced personal injury lawyers work tirelessly to help you navigate the complexities of your claim. We understand the unique challenges that spring conditions can bring, affecting liability and compensation in motor vehicle accidents. Whether your accident involved a car, motorcycle, or bicycle, and regardless of the circumstances – poor road maintenance, an inattentive driver, or unpredictable weather – we are here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Cuming & Gillespie LLP proudly serves clients in Calgary, Edmonton, and across Alberta. Call us today at 403-571-0555 or contact us online to book a free consultation.