May is a month of transformation on Canadian roads. As we move away from the freeze-thaw cycles of early spring, the challenges shift from black ice to heavy rain, potholes, and a surge in wildlife activity. To stay safe and keep your deliveries moving, you need a high-performance mindset.

Potholes

Potholes can be created due to aggressive freeze-thaw cycles during winter. Cities usually see an increase in reports of significant potholes through spring 

Never trust a puddle. A shallow pool of water can mask a deep pothole. Use the Scanning technique: don’t just stare at the car ahead; move your eyes from the horizon to the road surface every few seconds. If you see a hazard, “buffer” your vehicle by positioning yourself toward the centre of the lane (safely) to avoid the broken pavement often found near the curb.

Wildlife: The Spring Surge
Spring is one of the riskiest periods for animal-vehicle collisions. Following hibernation, bears, moose, and deer are highly active near roadsides looking for salt and new vegetation.

Focus your scanning on the ditches and tree lines, particularly during the “twilight hours” of dawn and dusk. If an animal enters your path, brake firmly and stay straight (if it is safe to do so). Swerving at high speeds often leads to more severe rollovers or collisions with oncoming traffic.

The Three-Second Rule

May is notoriously wet, and rain-slicked roads can be as unpredictable as ice. Maintaining a Crash Avoidance Space is your best defense. Pick a stationary object on the roadside; once the car in front passes it, you should be able to count to three before you reach that same spot.

In heavy spring downpours, increase that gap to four or five seconds. This extra time allows you to react to sudden braking or hydroplaning without the risk of a rear-end collision.

Maintenance Check

• Glare Management: The sun’s angle in spring, combined with wet roads, creates intense glare. Keep polarized sunglasses handy to prevent “blind driving” during sunrise and sunset shifts.
• Washer Fluid: Spring grime can coat a windshield in seconds. Ensure you’ve topped up your fluid and that your wiper blades aren’t streaking after the harsh winter.
• Stay Focused: Getting “quick” as a courier doesn’t mean speeding—it means scanning and reacting faster than the hazards around you. Ensure you adhere to road-specific speed limits.