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Transportation Challenges in the Spring

Pittsburgh, Pa. (May 2025) - As spring breaks in the Northern United States and Canada, drivers are relieved to move past the hazards created by ice and snowfall. However, with an increase in sunshine comes spring’s own unique transportation challenges.  Below are some potential issues to consider for drivers and their employers as we move toward summer.

Thawing Road Conditions

The fluctuation in temperature over the winter months, combined with the use of salt, leads to roads that are weakened and sometimes full of potholes by the time spring arrives. The Independent Transport Commission reports that pothole-related incidents cause about 1% of all road accidents in the United States each year. For non-commercial drivers, potholes can cause concern for a less than smooth ride and, in some severe cases, damage to tires and undercarriages. The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that potholes cost U.S. drivers over $3 billion annually in vehicle repairs. However, for commercial vehicle drivers, potholes and other issues with road surfaces can pose a serious threat to the structural integrity of a truck and its cargo.  Hitting a pothole for a commercial vehicle can mean blowing a tire, damaging wheels, leaks or mechanical problems caused by undercarriage damages, or suspension issues which can result in drivers swerving, oversteering, or overcorrecting to cause collisions or rollover incidents.  Motor carriers and independent operators can be held liable for damages caused by a tire blow out if it cannot be proven that regular inspections and maintenance has been performed.

Rain and Increased Moisture

April showers might bring May flowers, but they also bring slick conditions on the roadways and often flooding. The Federal Highway Administration reports that most weather-related crashes occur on wet pavement and during rainfall – 75 percent and 47 percent, respectively. Nearly 5,700 people are killed and more than 544,700 people are injured in crashes on wet pavement annually.  Commercial drivers should be on the lookout for adverse conditions on the road related to weather, as well as accidents, land subsidence, or flooding which may cause traffic backups.  Also, additional rain and moisture in the air and on the roadways can have an impact on brakes and electrical systems. 

Sun Glare

Changes in the times of sunrise and sunset, as well as daylight savings time changes, cause an increased likelihood of sun glare on the roads in the spring. Sun glare can cause reduced visibility, slower reaction times, and sudden blindness, which can lead to rear-end collisions and difficulty with lane changes. Drivers should consider adjusting sun visors, wearing polarized sunglasses, and making sure windshields are clean to reduce the risk of accidents as a result of sun glare.

Other Issues

Other issues drivers face in the spring can include:

•  strong winds;
• the effects of temperature fluctuation on tire pressure and engine cooling;
• increased traffic as people begin spring break and early summer traveling;
• increased wildlife entering the roadway; and
• increased construction zones.

Conclusion

Commercial drivers can reduce the risk of accidents caused by spring road and weather conditions, as well as potential liability for accidents caused by these conditions, by taking extra precaution on the roads and by ensuring that regular maintenance checks and inspections are carried out.  Additionally, spring is a good time to address winter-related vehicle damage, such as salt accumulation on vehicles, which can lead to corrosion, rust and damages to wheels.

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